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

The Hind Rajab Foundation filed a criminal complaint with Greek judicial authorities on Tuesday against Israeli soldier Oran Rubin, who is currently in Athens, accusing him of war crimes and genocide over documented evidence placing him at sites of large-scale destruction in the Gaza Strip.

Documented presence at destruction sites

The foundation noted in its statement that Israeli forces seized control of Palestine Square in December 2023 and "systematically destroyed the civilian district surrounding the square, first with tanks, bulldozers, and fire, and later through the controlled demolition of buildings that remained standing." Photographs posted by Rubin show him posing atop the ruins of the square during that period, while additional images place the soldier in front of and inside the Al-Taqwa Mosque after Israeli forces captured the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in Gaza City.

Allegations of war crimes and genocide

The criminal filing alleges that Rubin's conduct may constitute several war crimes, including intentionally attacking religious buildings and civilian objects, militarily unjustified and unlawful extensive destruction of property, and attacking undefended towns, dwellings and buildings which are not military objectives. "The complaint further alleges that, when considered within the broader systematic destruction of civilian life and infrastructure in Gaza, the acts documented in this case also constitute genocide," the statement added.

Call for immediate investigation

HRF urged Greek authorities to open an investigation without delay, question the suspect and take measures such as arrest and referral for prosecution to prevent him from leaving Greek territory. "No one suspected of war crimes should be able to find safe haven from accountability in Europe," it said.

Israel launched military operations in Gaza on Oct. 8, 2023. The onslaught continued for two years, and despite a ceasefire taking effect on Oct. 10, 2025, Israeli violations have persisted. Since the ceasefire began, Israel has killed 1,326 Palestinians and wounded 4,398 others, while the total death toll since October 2023 has reached around 73,462, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.