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Sunday 28 Jun 2026
LOCAL EDITION
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LOCAL EDITION
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. (Photo/Reuters)
The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) has filed a request with the US Justice Department to prosecute Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for war crimes, acts of genocide and incitement to genocide.
The Belgium-based rights group said the complaint was submitted ahead of Ben-Gvir's expected presence in New York City on 7–8 July.
The foundation also said that participants in Gaza-bound flotillas in 2025 and 2026, including US nationals, were abused and tortured after being kidnapped by Israeli forces.
Systemic detainee abuse
The group said Palestinian abductees had been subjected to starvation, beatings, shackling, sleep deprivation, denial of medical care, sexual violence and other forms of abuse.
It also said that at least 46 Palestinians have died in Israeli prison custody between October 2023 and August 2025.
The foundation also accused Ben-Gvir by participant in Gaza-bound flotillas in 2025 and 2026, including US nationals, were abused and tortured after being kidnapped by Israeli forces.
The HRF said it asked the Justice Department to open a formal criminal investigation, issue an arrest warrant, or prevent Ben-Gvir from leaving US jurisdiction pending investigation, and launch proceedings under US law.
The complaint cites the US War Crimes Act and the US Genocide Statute, accusing Ben-Gvir of torture, cruel or inhuman treatment, murder, rape, sexual abuse, acts of genocide and incitement to genocide.
Jake Romm, HRF's representative in the US, said Washington had an obligation to act, particularly because the allegations included abuse of US citizens.
"Every state in the world, including the United States, has the obligation to arrest him and bring him to justice for his crimes," said Romm.
The foundation said the filing is part of a broader effort to use domestic jurisdictions against individuals accused of involvement in international crimes committed in Gaza.
Systemic detainee abuse
The group said Palestinian abductees had been subjected to starvation, beatings, shackling, sleep deprivation, denial of medical care, sexual violence and other forms of abuse.
It also said that at least 46 Palestinians have died in Israeli prison custody between October 2023 and August 2025.
The foundation also accused Ben-Gvir by participant in Gaza-bound flotillas in 2025 and 2026, including US nationals, were abused and tortured after being kidnapped by Israeli forces.
The HRF said it asked the Justice Department to open a formal criminal investigation, issue an arrest warrant, or prevent Ben-Gvir from leaving US jurisdiction pending investigation, and launch proceedings under US law.
The complaint cites the US War Crimes Act and the US Genocide Statute, accusing Ben-Gvir of torture, cruel or inhuman treatment, murder, rape, sexual abuse, acts of genocide and incitement to genocide.
Jake Romm, HRF's representative in the US, said Washington had an obligation to act, particularly because the allegations included abuse of US citizens.
"Every state in the world, including the United States, has the obligation to arrest him and bring him to justice for his crimes," said Romm.
The foundation said the filing is part of a broader effort to use domestic jurisdictions against individuals accused of involvement in international crimes committed in Gaza.
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Source: TRT
