Belgium refers two Israeli soldiers to ICC for Gaza war crimes

In a statement, the Belgian prosecution confirmed that two members of the Israeli army, who had been detained and investigated on charges of committing war crimes in Gaza, have been referred to the ICC.

According to AFP, the statement also noted that the Hand Rajab Legal Institute, based in Brussels, filed and documented two formal complaints against these Israeli soldiers. The soldiers had traveled to the city of Boom, Belgium, to attend the Tomorrowland music festival on July 18 and 19, prompting legal action.

Following a review of the complaints, the Belgian prosecutor’s office decided to refer the cases to the International Criminal Court.

The Belgian prosecution emphasized that this move aligns with Belgium’s international obligations and aims to uphold the proper process of justice.

The names of the two Israeli soldiers have not yet been released. However, the Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that one is an Israeli citizen and the other an active-duty soldier in the Israeli army.

Earlier, the two Israeli soldiers were identified and detained at the music festival, where they were seen waving a Givati Brigade flag, and were interrogated on suspicion of war crimes committed in Gaza.

Previously, the Hand Rajab Institute described the move as a turning point in the course of international accountability, emphasizing that the two soldiers are accused of serious international crimes, including war crimes and genocide.