The Hind Rajab Foundation filed a legal complaint in Germany against a reservist of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for alleged war crimes committed in Gaza. The organization announced this development on Saturday, March 29, 2025, claiming that the reservist, Barel Kriel, bombed a civilian car in Gaza and filmed the aftermath, which showed the car burning with its occupants still inside.
According to the foundation, Kriel holds dual Israeli-German citizenship and is currently on German soil. Despite this, they allege that the German prosecutor has refused to investigate the matter. The Hind Rajab Foundation took to social media to emphasize the seriousness of their allegations, stating, "🚨🚨The #HindRajabFoundation has filed a legal complaint in Germany against Barel Kriel, a German-Israeli tank commander. Among other crimes, Kriel bombed a civilian car in Gaza and filmed it burning, with its occupants still inside."
The complaint against Kriel is not an isolated incident; the Hind Rajab Foundation has been active in pursuing legal action against IDF soldiers. They have filed lawsuits against at least 28 soldiers across eight different countries, aiming to hold individuals accountable for actions taken during military operations in Gaza and Lebanon.
The foundation, which was established in Brussels in September 2024, is named after a six-year-old Palestinian girl, Hind Rajab, who was killed by an Israeli tank during the ongoing conflict. The organization is a part of the March 30 Movement, which has been engaged in legal warfare against IDF personnel for over three decades.
Dyab Abou Jahjah, a prominent figure within the foundation, is a former Hezbollah activist who has previously faced legal issues in Belgium. He co-leads the organization with Karim Hassoun, who has been the chairman of the Arab European League since 2005. This league is focused on aiding Muslim integration in Europe and has faced scrutiny for its controversial positions.
The Hind Rajab Foundation has submitted extensive documentation to the International Criminal Court (ICC), detailing alleged war crimes committed by over a thousand IDF soldiers and officers during their operations in Gaza and Lebanon. Their mission is to challenge what they perceive as Israeli impunity regarding actions taken against Palestinian civilians.
In the backdrop of these legal actions, the situation in Gaza remains dire. Since the escalation of violence that began on October 7, 2023, more than 50,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed, leading to accusations of genocide against the Israeli government. The foundation claims that the recent military actions, which resumed on March 18, 2025, have further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.
According to reports, the Israeli government had previously agreed to a ceasefire deal with Hamas in January 2025, but the resumption of strikes indicates a breakdown in negotiations and a continuation of hostilities. This has led to widespread condemnation and calls for accountability from various human rights organizations.
The reservist, Kriel, has publicly responded to the allegations, stating that the information provided by the Hind Rajab Foundation is incorrect. He mentioned that he served in active duty with the 188th Armored Brigade and is now part of a different reserve battalion. "Official Israeli sources contacted me and told me that [the foundation] had filed the complaint and that I have nothing to worry about. So, I’m not concerned. But I realized that their post went viral," he said in an interview.
The Hind Rajab Foundation continues to advocate for justice for Palestinian victims, asserting that their legal efforts are essential in the fight against what they describe as systematic oppression. Their approach combines legal action with awareness campaigns to highlight the plight of Palestinians and the alleged war crimes committed against them.
As the foundation presses forward with its complaint against Kriel, the international community watches closely. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the broader discourse surrounding accountability for war crimes and the legal responsibilities of military personnel in conflict zones.
With the foundation's commitment to pursuing justice through legal avenues, they hope to challenge the narrative surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and bring attention to the suffering endured by Palestinian civilians. Their actions reflect a growing movement aimed at addressing perceived injustices and holding accountable those who are seen as complicit in violations of international law.
The Hind Rajab Foundation's legal complaint against Barel Kriel is emblematic of a larger struggle for recognition and justice in the face of overwhelming odds. As they continue to navigate the complexities of international law and advocacy, their efforts will undoubtedly influence future discussions on accountability and human rights in conflict situations.
In a world where legal battles often intersect with humanitarian crises, the foundation's work underscores the urgent need for mechanisms that can effectively address grievances and provide a voice for the voiceless.
