LIMA, June 12, 2025 (WAFA) — In a landmark move, Peru has officially referred a case of genocide crimes, filed by the Hind Rajab Human Rights Foundation, to its Human Rights Prosecutor. The case targets an Israeli soldier accused of participating in the destruction of civilian neighborhoods and infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, making Peru the first country to formally recognize and pursue legal accountability for such actions.

The Peruvian Attorney General’s Office is now examining the evidence provided, which includes audio-visual documentation and intelligence reports, rather than debating its jurisdiction over the matter. This shift signals the start of a preliminary criminal investigation in alignment with Peru’s obligations under the Rome Statute and international humanitarian law.

According to the Hind Rajab Foundation, the soldier in question served in the combat engineering corps of the Israeli military and was “directly involved in the destruction of civilian areas in Gaza during the military offensive between 2023 and 2024.” The foundation emphasized that the investigation is not symbolic—“justice is now on the path to realization.”

The complaint, which includes extensive documentation and intelligence sources, alleges direct involvement in acts that may constitute genocide and war crimes under international law.

This development is a major milestone in the application of the principle of universal jurisdiction, reinforcing Peru’s commitment to upholding international humanitarian standards. It also sends a clear message that individuals accused of serious international crimes cannot rely on geographic distance to escape justice.

The Israeli military announced in January 2025 that it would begin concealing the identities of its soldiers due to growing fears of international legal repercussions stemming from their involvement in attacks in Gaza.

M.N