The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), a pro-Palestinian NGO, has filed a formal complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) calling for the arrest of Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. The complaint accuses Sa’ar of war crimes and crimes against humanity, related to Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023.
The HRF demands that an arrest warrant be issued for Sa’ar, claiming that he played a central role in the policies leading to mass displacement, collective punishment, and systematic attacks on Palestinian civilians. According to the NGO, Sa’ar’s public support for policies that have restricted Gaza’s territory and imposed a severe blockade on the region contributed to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
In a statement, the HRF emphasized that Belgium, being a signatory to the Rome Statute, has a legal obligation to cooperate with the ICC. The group urged Belgian authorities to prevent Sa’ar from avoiding justice during his expected visit to Brussels next week. HRF’s complaint aligns with their broader mission of addressing Israeli impunity and securing accountability for actions in Gaza.
Sa’ar’s office has not yet commented on the ICC complaint. However, his spokesperson confirmed that the foreign minister’s planned trip to Brussels will proceed as scheduled. This legal challenge follows a series of HRF’s efforts to bring attention to Israeli military conduct in Gaza, including past lawsuits against Israeli soldiers.