The probe follows a complaint submitted by the Hind Rajab Foundation, which has filed multiple international cases accusing Israeli soldiers of war crimes
LIMA — The Public Prosecutor’s Office in Peru opened a preliminary criminal investigation against a soldier serving in the Israeli occupation army’s Shaked Battalion of the Givati Brigade over war crimes committed in the Gaza Strip, Quds News Network reported on Saturday.
The investigation follows a complaint submitted by the Hind Rajab Foundation, which has filed multiple international cases accusing Israeli soldiers of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide during the genocidal war on Gaza.
According to the organisation, Peru’s Criminal Prosecution Office, specialising in human rights and counter-terrorism, ordered a 15-day preliminary investigation on April 28.
The complaint stated that the Israeli soldier was believed to be present inside Peru, possibly in Lima or the Cusco region.
The organisation argued that Peru could invoke the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows states to investigate serious international crimes regardless of where they were committed.
Peruvian authorities reportedly relied on the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court for their legal authority.
According to documents published by the Hind Rajab Foundation, the Israeli soldier served in military operations in northern Gaza between November 2023 and October 2024.
He is accused of involvement in the destruction of civilian buildings in the Rimal neighbourhood and Jabaliya.
The organisation said it collected digital evidence, including photographs, videos, and social media content allegedly linking the soldier to military activities in the area.
The complaint also alleged that military activity occurred near facilities belonging to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees and near medical centres in Jabaliya.
According to the statement, Peruvian authorities ordered checks to confirm the suspect’s presence in the country and verify his identity using open-source material and social media activity.
The investigation comes amid growing international legal efforts targeting Israeli military personnel over alleged crimes committed during the Gaza war.
General manager of the Hind Rajab Foundation, Diab Abu Jahjah, welcomed the opening of the investigation and urged Peruvian authorities to issue an arrest warrant if the soldier’s presence in the country is confirmed.
Meanwhile, head of litigation at the organisation, Natasha Brack, said the foundation possesses what she described as “conclusive digital evidence” related to the case. — Palestine Chronicle
