The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) has filed a criminal complaint before the Italian judicial authorities against Israeli soldier Israel Yitzhki accused of involvement in war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of genocide committed during Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip.

In a statement, HRF said the complaint was submitted to the Procura della Repubblica on the basis of universal jurisdiction, following confirmation that Yitzhki is currently present on Italian territory.

Under international and Italian law, Italy is legally obliged to investigate and prosecute individuals suspected of grave international crimes when they are found on its soil.

HRF reminded Italy of its obligations under international law, as it is a State Party to the Geneva Conventions of 1949, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and the UN Convention Against Torture. These instruments impose a clear obligation on States to search for, investigate, and prosecute individuals suspected of grave breaches of international humanitarian law, regardless of nationality or where the crimes were committed.

“As the filing makes clear, States cannot lawfully become safe havens for suspected perpetrators of international crimes”, HRF’s statement read.

The complaint situates Yitzhki’s actions within the broader context of Israel’s campaign in Gaza, which UN bodies have repeatedly characterized as involving systematic violations of international law.

HRF cited statistics indicating that as of December 2025, over 70,000 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 20,000 children; More than 170,000 people have been injured; 92% of homes, 88% of schools, 81% of roads, and 80% of commercial infrastructure have been destroyed or damaged; Hundreds of civilians have died from starvation and malnutrition, caused by the deliberate obstruction of food and humanitarian aid.

According to HRF’s investigative findings, Israel Yitzhki served in the 432nd Battalion of the Givati Brigade and participated in operations involving extensive destruction of civilian property without military necessity; Attacks on undefended towns, residential buildings, and civilian objects; Arson and controlled demolitions of homes and shelters; Occupation and destruction of schools used as civilian refuges; And Unlawful detention and humiliating treatment of Palestinian civilians, including the publication of images showing detainees blindfolded, handcuffed, and kneeling.

The complaint argues that these acts constitute war crimes under Article 8 of the Rome Statute, Crimes Against Humanity and Genocide.

These conclusions align with findings issued in September 2025 by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry, which determined that Israeli authorities are committing genocide in Gaza.

HRF has requested that the Italian authorities consider urgent precautionary measures, including pre-trial detention, seizure of passports and travel documents, and preservation of digital evidence.

The filing also formally requests notification of any prosecutorial decisions, including extensions of investigations or potential dismissal, in accordance with Italian criminal procedure.

This filing is part of HRF’s broader strategy to ensure that no European country becomes a refuge for perpetrators of atrocities committed in Gaza.

The Foundation said it will continue to pursue accountability across jurisdictions until those responsible for crimes in Gaza — perpetrators, accomplices, and inciters alike — are brought before competent courts.