Key facts
- The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) has filed a criminal complaint in Rome against Israeli soldier Arik Ben Asulin.
- The complaint alleges war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of genocide in Gaza.
- Evidence cited includes social media posts by Ben Asulin showing demolitions of civilian infrastructure.
- Ben Asulin is believed to be currently in Italy and served in the 749th Combat Engineering Battalion.
- The complaint invokes Italy's universal jurisdiction over international crimes.
The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) has filed a criminal complaint with prosecutors in Rome against Israeli soldier Arik Ben Asulin. The organization alleges that Ben Asulin committed war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of genocide during Israel's war on Gaza.
HRF stated that its complaint is supported by social media posts published by Ben Asulin, which include videos of demolitions and photographs showing him handling detonation cables. The foundation claims this material demonstrates both his direct involvement in demolition operations and his public endorsement of them.
Ben Asulin, who served in the Israeli army's 749th Combat Engineering Battalion, is believed to be currently in Italy. The complaint asserts that he participated in the destruction of civilian infrastructure, including Al-Azhar University and residential areas in Shujaiya and the Netzarim Corridor.
The complaint invokes Italy's universal jurisdiction over international crimes, as established under the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute, and urges prosecutors to initiate a formal investigation into Ben Asulin's alleged actions.