Hind Rajab Foundation Files Formal Complaint in UK Against Israeli CEO for Alleged War Crimes in Gaza

Alon Elgali on board of one of his bulldozers in Rafah Begin of November 2024

London, United Kingdom – November 6, 2024
The Hind Rajab Foundation has taken a significant step in the pursuit of international justice by submitting a formal request to the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) in the United Kingdom. The letter calls for a comprehensive investigation into alleged war crimes committed by Alon Elgali, Chief Executive Officer of Meshek Afar Limited, a company contracted by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). Mr. Elgali is currently present in the United Kingdom, where he is alleged to be involved in actions that may constitute grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law.​

The Hind Rajab Foundation has informed the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service that Mr. Elgali has allegedly overseen and participated in the unlawful destruction and appropriation of civilian property, including a mosque, in the city of Rafah, Gaza, between October 31 and November 4, 2024. This destruction reportedly involved civilian infrastructure in areas protected by international humanitarian law, raising serious concerns of war crimes under the International Criminal Court (ICC) Act 2001 and the Geneva Conventions Act 1957.

The evidence provided includes videos and photographs from Mr. Elgali’s social media account, where he appears to be operating and overseeing bulldozers demolishing civilian structures. Witness statements confirm that Mr. Elgali’s company was stationed in Rafah specifically to undertake these operations. Under Article 8(2)(a)(iv) of the Rome Statute, intentional destruction of civilian property without military necessity constitutes a war crime. Additionally, Article 147 of the Fourth Geneva Convention classifies such extensive destruction as a “grave breach,” obligating the United Kingdom, as a contracting party, to take legal action.

The Hind Rajab Foundation calls on the Metropolitan Police Service’s Counter Terrorism Command (CTC), which possesses the expertise to handle complex investigations of international crimes, to urgently initiate an investigation. Citing guidelines from the College of Policing, the Foundation emphasizes the critical importance of handling allegations of this nature with the utmost priority, impartiality, and due diligence. With the UK’s established practice of gathering evidence on alleged war crimes, notably in the ongoing investigation of the Ukraine conflict, the Foundation anticipates similar commitment and urgency for investigating these allegations from Gaza.

The destruction of civilian infrastructure, including places of worship, not only violates humanitarian law but contributes to a climate of impunity, undermining the principles of accountability and justice for victims. Public interest in investigating these allegations is paramount, underscoring the UK’s commitment to international law and ensuring that individuals who engage in serious violations are scrutinized within its jurisdiction.

The Foundation urges the Metropolitan Police Service to act swiftly to preserve evidence, coordinating efforts with international bodies, including the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the United Nations, to ensure adherence to international legal standards. The Hind Rajab Foundation reaffirms its commitment to cooperating fully with this investigation and providing any further evidence necessary.

The Hind Rajab Foundation remains dedicated to advocating for justice and accountability in Gaza and across all conflict zones. This request to the UK authorities marks a critical step in our ongoing mission to uphold international humanitarian law and ensure that perpetrators of war crimes are held accountable. We will keep our supporters and the public informed as this investigation progresses, remaining steadfast in our commitment to justice for all victims of these grievous violations.