'Israeli' solider Yonatan Akriv overseeing destruction in Gaza.

HRF files criminal complaint in Austria against 'Israeli' soldier

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Published :

14-01-2026 08:28|

Palestine

HRF complaint filed against ’Israeli‘ soldier for war crimes and participation in genocidal acts in Gaza.
Complaint urges Austria to investigate under its obligations to prosecute serious international crimes on its territory.

The Hind Rajab Foundation has filed a criminal complaint in Austria against ’Israeli‘ soldier Yonatan Akriv, accused of war crimes and actions contributing to genocidal crimes during the Gaza war.

The complaint follows confirmation that Akriv was present on Austrian territory, activating Austria’s legal obligations under international law to investigate individuals suspected of committing the gravest crimes when they are within its jurisdiction.

Evidence and allegations

The complaint relies on investigations by the Hind Rajab Foundation, which documented Akriv’s service in Battalion 8717 “Alon”, a unit repeatedly linked to systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure in Gaza.

Investigations indicate Akriv participated in major ground operations and was involved in the deliberate destruction of a civilian building in northern Gaza. The foundation noted that Akriv later shared video footage of the demolitions, contributing to a wider pattern of documenting, normalizing, and disseminating destruction.

“This step moves human rights work from documentation to compelling a European state to take legal action,” the foundation said.

Charges sought

The complaint calls on Austrian authorities to investigate Akriv as part of a coordinated campaign, rather than an isolated incident. Alleged crimes include:

War crimes, such as the deliberate targeting of civilian objects and widespread destruction of property without military necessity.
Crimes against humanity, as part of a systematic attack on Gaza’s civilian population.
Genocide, through participation in acts creating living conditions deliberately designed to destroy the population by
making Gaza uninhabitable.

Legal obligations

The Hind Rajab Foundation emphasized that Austria is a party to the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. International crimes are incorporated into Austrian law, and the presence of suspects on its soil triggers a legal duty to investigate.

“The gap between legal obligations and political hesitation is widening across Europe,” said the foundation’s president. “By filing this complaint in Austria, we aim to close that gap. 2026 must be a year of justice and support for Gaza’s victims, not another year in which perpetrators escape accountability.”

The foundation noted that the legal action is part of a growing global strategy: wherever suspects appear, jurisdiction follows. The goal is not symbolic condemnation but tangible legal outcomes, including investigations, precautionary measures, and eventual prosecutions.

The Hind Rajab Foundation confirmed it will continue to pursue cases wherever the law and evidence allow.