Belgian Authorities Question Two Israelis Over Alleged War Crimes in Gaza

In a significant step toward international legal scrutiny, Belgian officials have confirmed that two Israeli nationals were questioned over suspected violations of humanitarian law during the ongoing war in Gaza.

The interrogation came after formal complaints were submitted by two rights groups: the Hind Rajab Foundation and the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN). The individuals — one identified as an Israeli soldier and the other as an Israeli citizen — were reportedly attending the Tomorrowland music festival when Belgian police located and detained them for questioning. They were released shortly after the interviews.

 Legal Grounds for Action

Belgium’s Federal Prosecutor’s Office stated that the case falls under new legal provisions that permit investigations into international crimes committed abroad — including war crimes and torture — provided those crimes breach international treaties ratified by Belgium. This includes the Geneva Conventions and the UN Convention Against Torture.

"The individuals named in the complaint were questioned under this new provision," read the official statement. Authorities did not disclose further information, citing the sensitivity of the ongoing investigation.

A Step Toward Accountability?

The Hind Rajab Foundation, named after a six-year-old Palestinian girl reportedly killed during Israeli military operations in Gaza, hailed the move as a potential "turning point" in global efforts to hold war crime suspects accountable.

“This development is a strong message that credible evidence of international crimes must be met with legal processes — not political silence,” said the foundation in a public statement. “We will continue to support the Belgian authorities in pursuing this matter with full independence.”

The group has been actively filing similar complaints in over 10 countries, targeting both junior and senior Israeli military personnel allegedly involved in the Gaza conflict.

 Israeli Response

Israel’s Foreign Ministry acknowledged the incident, confirming the interrogation and noting that the individuals were later released without charges. “We are in contact with the individuals and dealing with the matter,” a spokesperson said.

Broader Global Outcry

The incident occurs amid intensifying international criticism of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. On the same day, 24 countries — including France, the UK, Canada, Australia, and members of the European Union — issued a joint statement calling for an immediate ceasefire.

“The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached unimaginable levels,” the statement read, urging both sides to negotiate a ceasefire, secure the release of hostages, and allow humanitarian aid to flow freely.

 Food Convoy Attack Deepens Crisis

Tensions escalated further following accusations from the World Food Programme (WFP) that Israeli forces opened fire on a food aid convoy. The WFP said its 25-truck convoy was attacked near the Zikim crossing as desperate civilians gathered for essential food supplies.

“Countless lives were lost, and many others suffered critical injuries,” the WFP reported. The attack, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, killed at least 92 people — marking one of the deadliest days for civilians during the war.

Ongoing Humanitarian Toll

Since October 2023, the conflict has claimed the lives of over 59,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s local health officials. Much of the territory remains devastated, with basic supplies such as food, water, and medicine in dangerously short supply due to Israel’s blockade.

As legal mechanisms begin to take shape and international outrage continues to grow, this recent move by Belgian authorities could signal the beginning of more assertive global efforts to address alleged war crimes in conflict zones.