Israel’s Military Attache in Belgium Faces ICC Investigation for Alleged War Crimes
In a significant escalation of international tensions, Israel’s new military attaché in Belgium, Colonel Moshe Tetro, faces serious allegations of war crimes. These accusations come from the Hind Rajab Foundation, a prominent non-profit organization based in Brussels. The foundation claims that Tetro played a crucial role in coordinating military operations that violated international humanitarian laws during the recent conflict in Gaza.
Colonel Moshe Tetro previously served as the head of the Israeli military unit responsible for facilitating aid into the besieged Gaza Strip earlier this year. His actions have drawn sharp condemnation from various human rights organizations and officials.
Dyab Abou Jahjah, the chair of the Hind Rajab Foundation, has labeled Tetro a “key figure in the implementation of Israeli policy towards hospitals and the strategy of famine and thirst as a weapon of war.” The foundation has taken the step of filing a formal complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing Tetro’s involvement in “orchestrating starvation and targeting healthcare facilities” as grounds for their accusations.
Notably, the allegations against Tetro come amidst ongoing scrutiny of Israeli leaders. Current Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant are already facing ICC arrest warrants for their roles in purported war crimes, including the use of starvation as a weapon of war. Earlier this month, Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on Palestine, urged the ICC to expand its list of Israeli leaders subject to warrants.
Demand for Accountability in Belgium
The Hind Rajab Foundation has been vocal in its demands for justice. On Tuesday, they sent a letter to Belgium’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, urging the government to deny Tetro’s accreditation as a military attaché. Abou Jahjah emphasized the implications of allowing Tetro to serve in Belgium: “Allowing Moshe Tetro to serve in Belgium would be an endorsement of his crimes,” he stated.
The foundation insists that Belgium must uphold its commitment to justice, declaring that war criminals should have no place in the nation’s institutions or society. The foundation’s statement highlighted Tetro’s role in “directing attacks on hospitals,” including the Naser Hospital in Khan Yunis and the al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City. These actions are described as blatant violations of international humanitarian law.
Significantly, the evidence presented to the ICC allegedly includes records of Tetro’s direct communications with hospital directors prior to orchestrating attacks, which resulted in mass casualties. The foundation claims that these actions constitute a severe breach of international norms.
Devastating Impact of Military Operations
The aftermath of these military operations has been catastrophic. Israeli forces withdrew from the al-Shifa hospital, Gaza’s largest medical complex, in early April following a two-week siege. Reports indicate that the siege left the facility devastated, with numerous casualties and extensive destruction. According to Gaza’s government media office, up to 400 individuals were killed during the operation, including the wounded, sick, and displaced persons.
In a similar incident, the Nasser hospital in southern Gaza also witnessed horrific outcomes. Following an Israeli attack, three mass graves were discovered, with at least 200 bodies recovered from the ruins in late April. These incidents have heightened calls for accountability and an independent investigation into the actions of Israeli forces.
Israeli Response to Accusations
In response to the allegations, Israel’s Ambassador to Belgium, Idit Rosenzweig-Abu, firmly rejected the Hind Rajab Foundation’s claims against Colonel Tetro. She asserted that “Israel acts according to international law,” and noted that there had been no objections to Tetro’s appointment, which received full diplomatic accreditation.
The European Union has also taken notice of the situation, calling for an independent investigation into the mass graves found at both Nasser and al-Shifa hospitals. This request reflects a growing concern regarding the humanitarian impact of military operations in the region and the need for accountability.
Conclusion
The allegations against Colonel Moshe Tetro represent a significant moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding military conduct and humanitarian law. As the ICC evaluates the complaint filed by the Hind Rajab Foundation, the international community watches closely, seeking justice for the victims of the conflict. The outcomes of these proceedings could have far-reaching implications for Israel’s military leadership and its diplomatic relations.
