Omri Nir posing in the house of killed or displaced Palestinians on 31 December 2023 (left) and in Gaza (right)
On December 31, 2023, Omri Nir, a soldier in the Israeli Defense Forces' Combat Engineering Battalion 601, posted a photo on Instagram where he is seen posing inside a house in Gaza—a house that once belonged to a Palestinian family killed or displaced during Israel's genocide. The photo, a chilling display of impunity, was meant to be a personal trophy of sorts, showcasing his role in the Gaza genocide.
Fast forward to this year, as Omri Nir travels to Thailand to celebrate New Year’s Eve once again, the world looks very different for him. The Hind Rajab Foundation, committed to bringing perpetrators of war crimes to justice, has detected his presence in Thailand and acted decisively.
The foundation has filed a case against him at the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing him of grave violations of international law, and has formally requested Thai authorities to arrest him.
The Charges Against Omri Nir
The Hind Rajab Foundation’s case against Omri Nir includes documented evidence of his involvement in:
- Demolishing Civilian Homes: Participating in the destruction of residential properties, an act that violates international humanitarian law and constitutes a war crime under the Geneva Conventions.
- Occupying and Damaging a School: Converting a school into a military base, causing extensive damage to the facility and denying children their right to safety and education.
The evidence includes videos, testimonies, and records linking Nir directly to these acts, making a strong case for his accountability under the Rome Statute.
Nir counting down and blowing up civilian infrastructure
Thailand: A Crucial Moment for Justice
Omri Nir’s presence in Thailand presents an opportunity for the Thai government to take a stand for international justice. The Hind Rajab Foundation has called on Thai authorities to arrest Nir and cooperate with the ICC, ensuring that he cannot evade accountability.
Thailand now has a choice: to act decisively in alignment with international law or to risk becoming a safe haven for individuals accused of heinous crimes.
2025: A Turning Point for Accountability
Omri Nir’s case is one of many being pursued by the Hind Rajab Foundation. While some cases are publicized, many others remain confidential, with new actions continuously in development.
“Omri Nir’s case symbolizes the fight against impunity for war crimes.”
“This is not just about one man,” Dyab Abou Jahjah Chair of the Hind Rajab Foundation explained. “Omri Nir’s case symbolizes the fight against impunity for war crimes. As we move into 2025, we believe this will be the year of justice—a year when the tides turn against those who have escaped accountability for too long.”
With a growing network of legal teams, international collaborations, and the unwavering determination of hundreds of volunteers, the Hind Rajab Foundation is committed to ensuring that justice prevails for the victims of war crimes.
This case against Omri Nir is symbolic, representing a broader fight against the impunity that has shielded perpetrators of war crimes for far too long. However, it is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. At this very moment, the Hind Rajab Foundation is advancing several critical cases with far-reaching implications, and we will soon share updates on pivotal developments and groundbreaking events. As we enter 2025, we are confident that this year will mark a turning point—a year of accountability, where justice takes center stage and those responsible for heinous crimes are finally held to account.