Israel has enabled the departure of a former Brazilian soldier following legal proceedings initiated against him by a group accusing him of war crimes in Gaza, which were partially based on social media posts made by soldiers.
On Sunday, Israel’s Foreign Ministry verified that it aided the soldier in departing Brazil via a commercial flight, accusing “anti-Israel elements” of instigating the probe.
The ministry also urged Israelis to avoid posting information related to the military on social media.
The Hind Rajab Foundation, named after a 5-year-old Palestinian girl who was killed in Gaza, reported that Brazilian authorities launched an inquiry after they filed a complaint.
The foundation referenced video footage, location data, and photographs supposedly showing the soldier involved in the demolition of civilian residences. It described the investigation as “a crucial step towards holding people to account for crimes committed in Gaza.”
Local media reported that the investigation was authorized by a federal judge over the past week, and information about it was made publicly available over the weekend, but Brazilian authorities have not yet commented.
The incident has sparked concerns that individual Israeli soldiers could be held accountable in foreign courts. Israel has responded to international criticism, insisting its actions in Gaza are lawful and maintaining that Hamas bears responsibility for civilian losses, due to its policy of placing military targets in residential areas.
Additionally, the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister. A separate, independent investigation is being conducted by the International Court of Justice into allegations of genocide.
Escalating mortality rate in Gaza
During the conflict, Israeli soldiers have posted numerous videos from Gaza showing them searching homes and destroying or burning residential buildings.
In the recorded footage, a disturbing expression of racist sentiment is seen, with some individuals shouting racist chants or boasting about the devastation of Palestinian zones.
The conflict began on 7 October 2023 after militants affiliated with Hamas carried out an attack, resulting in over 1,200 fatalities and the capture of approximately 250 people in southern Israel.
The Gaza Health Ministry reports that more than 45,800 Palestinians have been killed, with women and children making up over half of the casualties. Israel claims to have killed over 17,000 militants, but no evidence has been provided to support this statement.
On Sunday, Israeli airstrikes claimed the lives of five individuals in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, four in Khan Younis in the south, and three in the Bureij refugee camp, also in central Gaza, according to medical personnel.
Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported that at least 88 individuals have been killed within the last 24 hours.
The conflict has resulted in the displacement of roughly nine-tenths of Gaza’s approximately 2.3 million residents and has left behind a scene of significant devastation.
