NGO calls on Thailand to arrest Israeli for Gaza war crimes

Pro-Palestine activists have called on Thai authorities to arrest an Israeli soldier visiting the country for New Years Eve who they accuse of committing war crimes in Gaza.

In a statement Tuesday, the Hind Rajab Foundation said it had formally requested Thai police to detain Omri Nir, who is one of hundreds of Israelis subject to a war crimes complaint filed at the International Criminal Court (ICC) by the organisation.

The foundation, a branch of the March 30 Movement, has accused Nir of deliberately destroying civilian homes in Gaza and using a school for military purposes, both considered war crimes under international humanitarian law.

It added that one year after he posted photos showing “a chilling display of impunity…showcasing his role in the Gaza genocide” he posted photos of himself celebrating in Thailand. 

In October the Belgium-based organisation filed a case at the ICC against more than 1,000 Israeli soldiers who it alleges have committed war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide during Israel’s over 14-month attack on the Gaza Strip.

It said that the complaint is supported by more than 8,000 pieces of evidence, including video footage, audio recordings and social media posts.

The NGO was set up by Arab activists Dyab Abou Jahjah and Karim Hassoun in late 2023 to seek justice for the victims of human rights violations committed by Israeli military personnel in Gaza.

Israeli media has reported that officials in Tel Aviv fear that the ICC complaint and cases being filed in individual countries could result in the prosecution of Israeli officers and soldiers.

Rights activists and pro-Palestinian groups in a number of countries, including France and Norway, are working to identify Israeli soldiers with dual nationality to pursue legal proceedings against them.

“This is not about one man. Omri Nir’s case symbolises the fight against impunity for war crimes,” said Abou Jahjah, who chairs the foundation in a statement. 

“As we move into 2025 we believe this will be the year of justice, a year when the tides turn against those who have escaped accountability for too long” the statement continued. 

In November, Israel became the first Western-allied country to see its leaders served with international arrest warrants when the ICC formally indicted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant on war crimes and crimes against humanity charges.

Israel is also preparing to fight genocide charges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in a case brought by South Africa in 2023.

The Israeli military has killed more than 45,500 Palestinians in Gaza and reduced much of the territory to rubble since responding October 2023.