Belgian federal police have arrested and interrogated two Israeli soldiers over credible allegations of war crimes committed during military operations in Gaza.
The arrests took place earlier this week at the Tomorrowland music festival in the town of Boom, where the suspects were reportedly identified and apprehended in a coordinated police operation.
The action followed the filing of an urgent legal complaint by the Hind Rajab Foundation and the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN). It could mark a significant precedent in the application of international justice in Europe.
The two individuals were taken into custody and formally interrogated by Belgian authorities. They have since been released pending the outcome of a broader criminal investigation, the Belgian Federal Prosecutor’s Office confirmed.
Legal experts say the case could set a precedent in Europe by invoking the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows states to prosecute serious international crimes – such as war crimes or crimes against humanity – regardless of where they were committed or the nationality of the accused.
In a joint statement, the Hind Rajab Foundation and GLAN described the development as a “significant step forward” in the global pursuit of accountability for any violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza, where experts believe a genocide is being committed.
“This action sends a clear message: credible evidence of international crimes must be met with legal response – not political indifference,” the organisations stated.
While stressing that the arrest and interrogation do not amount to a final judgment, the groups said it is the first time that Israeli suspects linked to the conflict in Gaza have been subjected to formal legal procedures in a European country.
“We do not claim that justice has been served – not yet. But we believe something important has begun,” the statement added.
The suspects’ identities have not been made public, and Belgian authorities have not issued further details about the nature of the allegations or the timeline of proceedings, but the case is being closely watched by international human rights advocates.
There is growing concern over alleged war crimes being committed by Israel in its war on Gaza, which has killed at least 59,000 Palestinians, although the true death toll is thought to be much higher.
The complaint is believed to relate to incidents during the early months of the 2024–2025 Gaza war, including documented civilian casualties.
The Hind Rajab Foundation, named after a six-year-old Palestinian girl killed by Israeli forces in Gaza despite repeated warnings, has been involved in collecting testimony and evidence related to attacks on civilians.
Both advocacy groups called on Belgian prosecutors to conduct a full and independent investigation, reiterating that the principle of universal jurisdiction is “not just a principle—it is an obligation.”
Source: The New Arab
