Israeli soldier flees Brazil amid investigation into Gaza war crimes

The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), a pro-Palestine advocacy organisation, filed a criminal complaint last week accusing the soldier, who was in Brazil as a tourist, of involvement in the Israeli military’s systematic demolition of civilian homes in Gaza.

On Saturday, a Brazilian court instructed police to investigate the soldier for war crimes. In a statement, the HRF accused Israel of orchestrating his departure to obstruct justice, adding that "there are also indications that evidence is being destroyed".

The HRF submitted over 500 pages of evidence to the court, including video footage, geolocation data, and photographs that show the suspect planting explosives and participating in the destruction of entire neighbourhoods.

“This individual actively contributed to the destruction of homes and livelihoods, and his own statements and behaviour clearly align with the genocidal objectives in Gaza,” said Maira Pinheiro, the HRF's lawyer.

Palestinian families whose homes were destroyed by the Israeli army have joined the HRF case as plaintiffs.