Belgium authorities arrest two 'Israeli' soldiers after war crimes complaint

Belgian federal police have detained two 'Israeli' soldiers accused of committing war crimes in Gaza, following a legal complaint filed by two international rights organizations.

According to a statement released Monday by the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), the soldiers were in Belgium to attend the Tomorrowland music festival in Boom when they were identified and arrested.

"The suspects were identified and arrested with a clear show of force at the Tomorrowland festival in Boom," HRF stated. "After being taken into custody, they were formally interrogated and released. The Belgian Federal Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that a criminal investigation is now underway."

Read more: Hind Rajab Foundation pursues “Israeli” soldiers at Belgium music festival

The HRF's action was prompted by the alleged presence of young “Israeli” soldiers at Tomorrowland waving the flag of the “Israeli” Givati Brigade, a unit the HRF says is "extensively documented for its role in the systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure in Gaza and for carrying out mass atrocities against the Palestinian population".

The foundation asserts that the Givati flag has become a "symbol of impunity, destruction, and ethnic cleansing".

The individuals are accused of direct involvement in crimes such as indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas, use of torture and human shields, mass arbitrary detention, forced displacement, and deliberate infliction of conditions calculated to destroy the Palestinian population.

The complaint, filed last week by HRF and the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN), accuses the soldiers of involvement in war crimes committed during 'Israel’s' military operations in Gaza.

In a joint statement, the two organizations welcomed the move, calling it "a significant step forward." They added, "It signals that Belgium has recognised its jurisdiction under international law and is treating the allegations with the seriousness they deserve.

"At a time when far too many governments remain silent, this action sends a clear message: credible evidence of international crimes must be met with legal response – not political indifference."

The case marks a rare instance of European authorities pursuing legal action against individuals accused of war crimes in Gaza.