Hind Rajab Foundation files war crimes complaint in Portugal against Israeli soldier

The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) has filed a criminal complaint in Portugal against Israeli soldier Etamar Ivry, accusing him of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. Ivry is reportedly on holiday in Lisbon.

According to the foundation, its investigation found that Ivry, as a member of the 890th Paratroopers Battalion in the 35th Paratroopers Brigade, participated in the systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure in Gaza. Evidence presented includes social media posts by Ivry that feature videos of controlled demolitions of civilian structures, particularly in the area of the Netzarim Corridor near Al Rashid Street.

The complaint, filed under Portuguese Law 31/2004 which allows for universal jurisdiction over international humanitarian law violations, alleges that Ivry's actions during November and December 2023, when the Netzarim Corridor was established, constitute acts of genocide by subjecting the Palestinian group to conditions calculated to bring about its physical destruction.

HRF stated that Ivry's unit was equipped with the engineering capabilities for controlled demolitions, and his videos, which included celebratory captions, serve as direct evidence of his participation in a campaign of devastation. The foundation emphasized that national courts exercising universal jurisdiction are a vital avenue for justice when international bodies face challenges, and that Portugal must uphold its legal obligations.