Hind Rajab Foundation Files Legal Complaint Against Israeli Sniper Boaz Ben David in Sweden

Boaz Ben David in Gaza

​Stockholm- Sweden - The Hind Rajab Foundation has taken another significant step in its quest for justice by filing a legal complaint against Boaz Ben David, an Israeli sniper from the 932 Battalion of the Nahal Brigade. The complaint, filed with Swedish authorities, accuses Ben David of committing war crimes, crimes against humanity, and possible acts of genocide during the recent military operations in Gaza. This move follows growing international calls to hold perpetrators of grave crimes accountable, ensuring justice for victims of the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

​The Case Against Boaz Ben David
Boaz Ben David, a staff sergeant and sniper in the Latak Platoon of the Spearhead Company, is accused of playing a direct role in the indiscriminate targeting of civilians, destruction of Palestinian homes, and systematic acts of violence in Gaza. Evidence submitted with the complaint to the National Unit Against International and Organized Crime in Sweden, includes photographs, videos, and witness testimonies, corroborated by reports from international human rights organizations and reputable journalists.
Key incidents linking Ben David to war crimes include:

1. Sniper Operations in Gaza City: On March 1, 2024, Ben David posted images of himself using a sniper rifle in Gaza City. Witness accounts and journalistic reports indicate that civilians, including women and children, were killed in these operations.
2. Destruction of Civilian Property: His unit was involved in vandalizing Palestinian homes, with graffiti slogans like "Latak Casino" and "Texas Hold'em" defacing walls. These acts violated international humanitarian law, which prohibits the unnecessary destruction of civilian property.
3. Attacks on Hospitals and Medical Facilities: The 932 Battalion participated in a raid on Gaza's Shifa Hospital in March 2024. A United Nations report later revealed the discovery of mass graves near the hospital, with victims showing signs of torture and execution. These acts, constituting violations of the Geneva Conventions, further exemplify the inhumane treatment of Gaza's civilian population.
4. Genocidal Intent: Commanders in Ben David’s unit issued explicit calls for the mass killing and expulsion of Palestinians. One senior officer declared, “Gaza needs to be wiped out...burned...bombed...turned into a parking lot.” These statements, coupled with the systematic actions on the ground, reveal a clear intent to destroy the Palestinian population.

Legal Basis and Jurisdiction

The complaint cites provisions of Swedish law on international crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, in line with Sweden's obligations under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Swedish authorities have the jurisdiction to prosecute Ben David under the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows states to try individuals for grave international crimes regardless of where the crimes were committed.

Sweden's Role in Promoting Accountability

Ben David’s recent arrival in Sweden provides a critical opportunity for the country to demonstrate its commitment to upholding international justice. The Hind Rajab Foundation urges Swedish authorities to promptly arrest and interrogate Ben David. Should Sweden opt not to prosecute him domestically, the foundation requests his extradition to the International Criminal Court or another jurisdiction capable of ensuring a fair trial and accountability.

Evidence Supporting the Complaint

The Hind Rajab Foundation has presented an extensive dossier of evidence, including:

• Social Media Posts: Ben David’s posts show him actively participating in sniper operations and vandalizing civilian property.
• Witness Testimonies: Eyewitness accounts confirm his presence during targeted killings and the destruction of homes in Rafah and Gaza City.
• Journalistic Documentation: Israeli journalist Josh Breiner, embedded with the 932 Battalion, documented their operational tactics, including shoot-to-kill policies against civilians.
• United Nations Reports: The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights highlighted mass killings and the use of hospitals as military targets, contributing to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

The Urgency of Action

The situation in Gaza remains one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern history, with over 2,000 children killed since October 2024, according to UN reports. The actions of snipers like Ben David, under the direction of commanders with genocidal intent, have significantly contributed to the devastation. The Hind Rajab Foundation believes that holding individuals accountable is crucial for deterring future crimes and delivering justice to the victims and their families.

A Call for Global Solidarity

​The Hind Rajab Foundation calls on the international community to support this legal effort and press for accountability. Justice for Palestine is a global responsibility, and the Hind Rajab Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to end the impunity enjoyed by those committing atrocities.

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