Complaint Filed in Greece by HRF and Greek Lawyers Triggers Investigation into Israeli Minister Israel Katz

On 21 January 2026, the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), together with Greek lawyer Thanasis Kampagiannis and two other Greek lawyers, filed a formal complaint before the competent judicial authorities in Athens concerning Israel Katz. The complaint was submitted in connection with Katz’s visit to Greece and set out allegations relating to his potential responsibility under international law.

The filing led to the opening of a preliminary investigation by the 32nd Preliminary Investigation Department of Athens. The complainants allege that Katz may bear responsibility, both as a participant and an instigator, for conduct allegedly amounting to serious international crimes, including war crimes, torture, crimes against humanity, and genocide, in connection with the ongoing situation in Gaza.

As part of this procedure, today, Thanasis Kampagiannis appeared before the investigating authorities to provide testimony. Kampagiannis, a member of the Board of Directors of Athens Bar Association and member of Alternative Intervention – Lawyers of Athens, is among the complainants in the case.

In parallel with his testimony, a supplementary report containing additional evidentiary material was submitted to the Greek authorities. The report further sets out allegations linked to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and supplements the initial complaint.

Lawyer Thanasis Kampagiannis appears before the 32nd Preliminary Investigation Department in Athens, Greece, to provide testimony in support of a complaint concerning Israel Katz, filed by HRF

A significant component of the complaint concerns the interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian initiative aimed at challenging the blockade of Gaza and delivering aid. According to the submission, during the flotilla incident in early October 2025, Greek citizens on board were forcibly seized and unlawfully detained. These events form part of the broader set of allegations currently under examination by the Greek authorities.

The complainants also highlight recent developments. Additional humanitarian vessels were reportedly intercepted last week, and two participants—Thiago Avila and Saif Abu Keshek—were arrested and detained in international waters near the Greek coast. These developments underscore the urgency of the situation, as the alleged conduct giving rise to the complaint is ongoing and affects both Palestinian and international civilians.

The broader context remains one of a critical humanitarian situation in Gaza, with widespread shortages of food, water, and essential supplies continuing to affect the civilian population.

Israel Katz, whose alleged conduct is the subject of a complaint filed in Greece by the Hind Rajab Foundation and Greek lawyers, currently under preliminary investigation by the Athens judicial authorities.

The Hind Rajab Foundation and its co-complainants call on the competent Greek judicial authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial, and independent investigation into all alleged crimes, in accordance with Greece’s obligations under international and domestic law.