Rights groups file case in Germany against Israeli soldier

Post by : Monika

Photo: Reuters

A new legal fight has begun in Europe. Human rights groups have filed a complaint in Germany against a young Israeli soldier who is accused of committing war crimes during the conflict in Gaza. The case is unusual because it is not being brought in Israel or Palestine, but in Germany, a country thousands of kilometers away.

Why Germany? Because Germany has a special law that allows it to investigate and prosecute crimes that happen in other countries, as long as those crimes are very serious—like genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity. This law is called “universal jurisdiction.”

The groups say they have strong evidence that the soldier, who is believed to have lived in Munich until recently, was part of military actions that killed unarmed civilians. They hope that Germany will act and show that no one is above the law, no matter where they come from or what position they hold.

Who Filed the Case?

The complaint was filed by the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights (ECCHR), a well-known group based in Berlin, along with three Palestinian human rights organizations. These groups work together to bring attention to crimes committed during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

They say their goal is not only justice for the victims but also to send a strong message: rules of war must be followed by everyone. According to them, even soldiers from powerful armies should not be allowed to escape accountability if they hurt or kill innocent civilians.

Who Is the Soldier?

The man at the center of the case is a 25-year-old Israeli soldier. He is suspected of being a sniper in a special Israeli army team called the “Ghost Unit.” This unit is part of the 202nd Paratroopers Battalion, which has been active in Gaza.

Reports suggest that the soldier lived in Munich, Germany, until recently. That connection is important because it allows German prosecutors to take up the case under universal jurisdiction. His exact citizenship status—whether only Israeli or also German—remains unclear, but his residence history is enough for the case to move forward.

What Are the Allegations?

The rights groups allege that between November 2023 and March 2024, the sniper participated in the deliberate killing of unarmed Palestinian civilians. The reported shootings happened near two hospitals in Gaza: Al Quds Hospital and Nasser Hospital.

These hospitals became well-known during the war as places where not only the sick and wounded were treated, but also where thousands of displaced civilians sought shelter from the bombings. Attacking or killing people in or near hospitals is considered a very serious crime under international law.

• The groups provided a 130-page report to German authorities. The report includes:
• Video recordings said to show the sniper’s actions.
• Investigation reports from the ground.
• Testimonies that describe the deliberate targeting of unarmed people.
• The complaint says that these were not mistakes or accidents, but intentional acts that violated the rules of war.

What Is Universal Jurisdiction?

Universal jurisdiction is a legal principle that allows a country to investigate and prosecute serious crimes even if they were committed in another country and by foreigners. Germany is one of the countries that has such a law.

This means that if someone suspected of committing war crimes has lived in Germany, or is currently living there, German prosecutors can open a case against them. The law was designed to prevent criminals from escaping justice simply by crossing borders.

This is not the first time Germany has used this law. In recent years, German courts have prosecuted Syrian officials accused of torture during the Syrian civil war. Those cases showed that Germany is willing to apply its universal jurisdiction law seriously.

Why Is This Case Important?

This case matters for several reasons:

• It shows that war crimes can be prosecuted internationally. Even if a country does not act, others can step in.
• It raises accountability for the Israeli army. The complaint argues that Israel should not be treated differently from other nations when it comes to following international law.
• It highlights civilian suffering in Gaza. Hospitals are supposed to be safe places, but the complaint says civilians were killed near them.
• It pressures Germany’s government. Germany has strong political ties with Israel, and this case may test those relations.

What Have Authorities Said?

So far, there has been no public response from either Israeli officials or German prosecutors about this case. It is unclear whether German authorities will decide to open a full investigation.

Legal experts say the decision may take time because prosecutors need to carefully examine whether the evidence is strong enough to move forward. If they do proceed, it could lead to the soldier being investigated, charged, and possibly even tried in a German court.

What Do Human Rights Groups Say?

Lawyers from the ECCHR made their position clear. Alexander Schwarz, a lawyer for the group, said that there should be “no double standard” when it comes to enforcing international law. Soldiers, no matter their country or role, must follow the same rules as everyone else.

The Palestinian groups involved also stressed that civilians in Gaza have suffered greatly, and they deserve justice. They said this complaint is part of a larger effort to make sure the international community pays attention to their situation.

Other Legal Efforts Around the World

This is not the only legal action connected to the conflict. Similar cases are being considered or have already been filed in countries such as:

• France
• Italy
• South Africa
• Belgium

Each of these countries has laws that allow them to pursue cases involving war crimes and crimes against humanity, even if they did not occur on their soil. Together, these cases show that human rights organizations are trying to use every legal path available to demand accountability.

Challenges Ahead

• While the complaint is a major step, there are still many challenges.
• Political Pressure: Germany is a close ally of Israel. Taking legal action against an Israeli soldier could cause political tensions.
• Gathering Evidence: Prosecutors will need clear, reliable, and verifiable evidence to build a strong case.
• Practical Issues: If the soldier is no longer living in Germany, it may be difficult to arrest him unless he returns or travels to a country willing to extradite him.
• Legal Barriers: International cases often take years and face many procedural delays.

Impact on Civilians

For families in Gaza, this case is more than just a legal battle. It is a symbol of hope. Many civilians there feel that their voices are not heard and that justice is far away. By filing this case in Germany, the groups are showing that there are ways to seek accountability, even if local courts are unable or unwilling to act.

This complaint against a young Israeli soldier is about more than one person. It is about whether international law really applies to everyone, or whether some people and countries are treated differently.

If German prosecutors decide to move forward, it could set a powerful example: that war crimes cannot be hidden by borders, and that justice can reach across the world.

Even if the case does not succeed, it has already started important discussions in Germany, Israel, and beyond. For now, human rights groups are waiting to see if Germany will take the next step toward justice.

Israeli soldier