The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), a Belgium-based organisation pursuing legal action against Israeli military personnel across several countries, has urged Indian authorities to arrest an Israeli reservist currently travelling in Himachal Pradesh.
In a statement issued on May 30, HRF said it had filed an urgent complaint with the police, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and the Bureau of Immigration, demanding action against Israeli national Eitan Gilboa.
According to the organisation, Gilboa, who allegedly served in the Israeli army’s 271st Combat Engineering Battalion, is currently staying in Old Manali and Gondla village in Himachal Pradesh.
Allegations of Demolition of Civilian Buildings in Gaza
HRF alleged that Gilboa personally participated in and celebrated the demolition of residential buildings in Gaza during Israel’s military operations after October 2023.
The organisation claimed that Gilboa documented the destruction of civilian structures in places such as Khan Younis and Rafah, filming himself ordering, carrying out, and celebrating demolitions.
According to HRF, some videos and photographs linked to the alleged incidents were later shared on social media by family members.
The complaint cites incidents from January, June, and July 2024, in which Gilboa allegedly participated in demolitions of residential blocks and dedicated some of the acts to Israeli soldiers killed during the conflict.
HRF has submitted what it described as a detailed investigative dossier to Indian authorities, including videos, social media posts, and other material.
HRF Cites India’s Legal Obligations
The organisation argued that the allegations fall under grave breaches of the Fourth Geneva Convention and referred to India’s obligations under the Geneva Conventions Act, 1960.
HRF said India, as a signatory to the Geneva Conventions, has a responsibility to examine allegations involving serious violations of international humanitarian law.
The foundation urged Indian authorities to register an FIR, investigate the allegations, and take legal action if evidence is found.
It also asked immigration authorities to intervene if immediate arrest was not possible.
HRF Officials Call for Immediate Action
Dyab Abou Jahjah, General Director of the Hind Rajab Foundation, described the allegations as serious and called for urgent intervention by Indian authorities.
“Eitan Gilboa is not a tourist. He is a war criminal currently enjoying the hospitality of India while fleeing the consequences of his crimes,” Jahjah said.
“He has publicly documented himself turning entire neighbourhoods in Gaza into ash and dust, dedicating these massacres to fallen soldiers as acts of revenge,” he added.
Natacha Bracq, Head of Litigation at HRF, said the allegations, if proven, meet the definition of war crimes under Indian law.
“Under the Geneva Conventions Act, India has the power and the duty to arrest and prosecute Eitan Gilboa,” Bracq said.
No Response Yet From Indian or Israeli Authorities
There has been no official response so far from Indian authorities, Israeli officials, or Gilboa regarding the allegations made by HRF.
The complaint is part of HRF’s broader legal campaign, under which the organisation says it has filed more than 90 complaints in around 30 countries over alleged violations committed during the Gaza war.
What is the Hind Rajab Foundation?
The Hind Rajab Foundation was launched in 2024 and is named after Hind Rajab, a young Palestinian girl killed during the Gaza conflict.
The organisation says it works to collect evidence, including videos, photographs, and social media posts, to pursue legal accountability for alleged violations of international humanitarian law.
