War crimes complaint seeks arrest of Israeli soldier for Gaza abuses

The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) submitted a formal legal complaint to the Greek Cypriot Administration on Tuesday, seeking the arrest of Israeli soldier Sharon Dawit for alleged war crimes, torture, and genocide during Israeli military operations in Gaza. The complaint targets Dawit, a sergeant in the Givati Brigade, and is supported by an investigative report documenting his actions from December 2023 to September 2024.

Evidence from Investigative Report

HRF's report includes verified evidence, such as a photograph Dawit posted on Instagram showing him armed and seated while a blindfolded, handcuffed detainee kneels before him. The foundation authenticated the image using digital forensic tools, identifying it as depicting torture and inhuman treatment under the Rome Statute and UN Convention Against Torture, which form the basis for the legal action.

HRF's Statement and International Law

Natacha Bracq, HRF's Head of Litigation, described the case as procedural and concrete, emphasizing that torture is universally condemned in international law. She stated that Dawit's own publicized acts serve as visual proof of a system rooted in humiliation and domination, urging accountability for what she termed war crimes and systematic abuse in Gaza.

Systematic Abuse and UN Findings

The HRF report connects the Givati Brigade to widespread abuses, including torture, looting, and destruction of civilian property. It also cites a UN Commission of Inquiry report from September 2025, which found that Israeli forces committed acts meeting the legal definition of genocide in Gaza, underscoring the urgency for international justice and enforcement of arrest warrants.