Gaza Herald_ The Hind Rajab Foundation has launched a new legal action in Austria, submitting a criminal complaint against Israeli occupation soldier Yonatan Akriv over alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts amounting to genocide committed in the Gaza Strip.
In a statement, the foundation said the complaint was filed after confirming that Akriv is currently present on Austrian soil, triggering Austria’s legal obligations under international law to investigate individuals suspected of involvement in grave international crimes when they fall under its jurisdiction. The filing reportedly includes evidence linking Akriv to the Israeli army’s Alon Battalion 8717, a unit accused of playing a role in the widespread and systematic destruction of civilian neighborhoods and infrastructure across Gaza.
Diab Abu Jahjah, Director-General of the Hind Rajab Foundation, said the case reflects a broader struggle unfolding across Europe. “We are increasingly seeing a gap between what international law requires and the political reluctance to act,” he said. “By moving forward with this complaint in Austria, we are working to close that gap.”
Abu Jahjah stressed that the foundation’s campaign will continue unabated, adding: “Our position is unequivocal. The year 2026 must be a year of justice for the victims of genocide in Gaza, not another year in which those responsible are shielded by impunity.”
Founded in 2024, the Hind Rajab Foundation is named after Palestinian child Hind Rajab, who was killed by Israeli forces along with members of her family in January 2024. Hundreds of tank-fired bullets struck their vehicle as they attempted to flee in search of safety in the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood of Gaza City. The foundation has since pursued legal cases across multiple jurisdictions aimed at holding Israeli soldiers and officials accountable for crimes committed in Gaza.
