Belgium refers complaints against Israeli soldiers over Gaza war crimes to the ICC
The Belgian Federal Public Prosecutor's Office said it received two complaints earlier this month from the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), a Belgium-based pro-Palestinian group, against two Israeli soldiers who were in the country to attend the annual Tomorrowland festival.
Police last week questioned the pair over allegations of "serious violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza", according to the prosecutors.
On Wednesday, the prosecutor's office said it had decided to refer the complaints against the two members of the Israeli military to the ICC, in the "interest of the proper administration of justice and in accordance with Belgium's international obligations". — Euronews
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Saudi Gazette
2 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Palestine Red Crescent says Israeli strike on Gaza HQ kills worker, injures three
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip — The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) accused Israeli forces on Sunday of striking its headquarters in southern Gaza, killing one worker and wounding three others. In a statement, the humanitarian group said the early morning attack on its Khan Younis facility sparked a fire in the building, which is 'well known' to the Israeli military and 'clearly marked with the protective red emblem.' It called the strike 'deliberate' and renewed its appeal for accountability and protection of humanitarian and medical staff. The PRCS identified the slain worker as Omar Isleem and said two other staff members were injured, along with a civilian who was attempting to put out the fire. Images shared by the group showed heavy structural damage, debris-filled offices and large bloodstains. When asked about the incident, the Israel Defense Forces told the BBC it had 'no knowledge about neither artillery nor any air strikes' targeting the facility. The attack comes as Gaza's humanitarian crisis deepens. UN figures indicate that at least 1,373 Palestinians have been killed since late May while trying to access food, most near Israeli and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation distribution sites. Israel disputes the UN's figures and accuses Hamas of fomenting chaos at the aid centres, while denying that its forces intentionally target civilians. Egyptian state media reported Sunday that two fuel trucks were waiting to enter Gaza amid ongoing shortages that have crippled hospitals and aid operations. The Hamas-run health ministry says 175 people, including 93 children, have died from malnutrition. Israel launched its Gaza campaign after the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. Since then, more than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza's health ministry. — BBC
Saudi Gazette
2 hours ago
- Saudi Gazette
Tens of thousands march across Sydney Harbour Bridge in pro-Palestine rally
SYDNEY — Tens of thousands of people marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge on Sunday in a major pro-Palestinian demonstration, one day after the New South Wales Supreme Court authorised the event in what organisers called a 'historic' decision. Despite torrential rain, protesters carried placards urging an end to the war in Gaza and calling for political action. Chants of 'Shame shame Israel, shame shame USA' and 'What do we want? Ceasefire. When do we want it? Now' echoed across the bridge. Families with young children joined the peaceful march, while police, including riot squad officers, were stationed along the route. Among those attending were WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, federal MP Ed Husic and former NSW Premier Bob Carr. The bridge was last closed for a public assembly in 2023 during World Pride. Two hours into the event, NSW Police sent a text alert to attendees instructing them to stop walking north and turn back toward the city for safety reasons. No official crowd estimate has been released. The Palestine Action Group, which organised the march, lodged its notice of intention only a week earlier, prompting police to initially reject the application over traffic and safety concerns. NSW Premier Chris Minns also voiced opposition, warning against potential 'chaos.' Police sought a prohibition order from the Supreme Court, but Justice Belinda Rigg denied it, ruling there was no evidence that blocking the protest would improve public safety. The court's ruling allowed the bridge to be closed to vehicles and surrounding roads, granting attendees protection from certain public assembly-related offences under the Summary Offences Act. The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies said it was 'disappointed' with the court's decision. The march comes amid growing international calls for Palestinian statehood recognition. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia will only consider recognition if conditions ensure lasting security for Israel, adding he will not be pressured by other nations' decisions. — Agencies
Arab News
3 hours ago
- Arab News
Pakistan to dispatch today 100 tons of humanitarian aid for Palestine
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) will be sending today, Sunday, 100 tons of humanitarian aid supplies for Palestine, the authority said. The development comes days after Israel allowed aid into Gaza and lifted months of blockade of the territory, following international outcry stoked by images of malnourished children, however, the scale is deemed woefully insufficient by international organizations. Nearly 1,400 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip while waiting for aid since May 27, the majority by the Israeli army, the United Nations said on Friday. The Israeli army denies any targeting, insisting it only fires 'warning shots' when people approach too close to its positions. The NDMA said it had completed preparations to send a 100-ton consignment carrying relief items for Palestine and the aid flight will depart from the Islamabad airport on Sunday evening. 'A hundred tons of aid will reach Amman, Jordan through a special flight,' it said. 'The aid consignment consists of food items and medicines.' International organizations have for months condemned the restrictions imposed by the Israeli authorities on aid distribution in Gaza, including refusing to issue border crossing permits, slow customs clearance, limited access points, and imposing dangerous routes. Pakistan, which does not have diplomatic ties with Israel, has consistently condemned Israeli military actions and called for the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian aid into Palestinian territory. The South Asian country last month used its presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to refocus global attention on the crisis in Gaza. 'The NDMA will send a total of 200 tons of relief goods to Palestine through special flights,' it said, adding the authority had so far sent a total of 1,715 tons of aid to Palestine.
