16 November 2025 – Copenhagen
The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) has filed a criminal complaint in Denmark against Israeli soldier Sergeant Ohad Hillel, a member of the 846th Patrol Battalion “Samson’s Foxes” of the Givati Brigade, for his role in war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of genocide committed during Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip.
The complaint was filed by HRF’s Danish legal counsel, Eddie Omar Rosenberg Khawaja, with the Copenhagen Police and the National Unit for Special Crimes (NSK). It is submitted under Denmark’s newly strengthened legal framework for prosecuting international crimes, drawing on both Danish criminal law (§118 c, §118 f, §118 g, §118 h) and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
This filing makes Denmark the latest European country where HRF activates universal jurisdiction mechanisms to prevent Israel’s war criminals from enjoying impunity abroad.
HRF’s investigation confirms that Ohad Hillel served in Gaza from January 2024 to August 2025, during the most destructive phases of the invasion. At the moment of filing, he was located in Copenhagen and traveling around Denmark with his Danish partner.
HRF warns that individuals directly involved in the destruction of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure are now traveling freely across Europe, including in countries legally obliged to investigate grave international crimes.
Documented Involvement in the Destruction of Shuja’iya and Jabalia
Ohad Hillel Occupying a School in Gaza
HRF’s investigative report—submitted as Appendix A to the complaint—provides extensive evidence of Hillel’s participation in:
1. The burning of the Shuja’iya neighbourhood
- Members of his battalion filmed and celebrated the torching of residential buildings,
calling it the “8th candle of Hanukkah — burning Shuja’iya.” - Hillel posted images of a burning civilian structure on the same day.
- He photographed himself inside Hittin Basic School, a protected civilian facility.
2. The destruction of Jabalia
- Hillel posted photographs and videos from UNRWA Health Centre facilities,
documenting the Givati Brigade’s occupation of a UN humanitarian building. - His battalion also posted videos of forced displacement, arson, and arrests.
- Jabalia was turned into “acres of rubble,” with 1,339 buildings destroyed.
These actions were not incidents of combat, but deliberate, systematic, and punitive destruction of civilian life and infrastructure once the IDF already had full operational control of the areas.
A picture posted by Hillel documenting the burning of Shuja’iya
Crimes Under Danish and International Law
The complaint argues that Hillel’s actions constitute violations of:
War Crimes
- §118 f(2) – destruction of civilian property without military necessity
- §118 h(3) & (9) – attacks on undefended civilian buildings, towns, and dwellings
- §118 g(1) – attacks on humanitarian facilities (UNRWA)
Genocide
- §118 c(1)(iii) – imposing conditions of life meant to bring about the destruction of a protected group
- Based on Article 6(c) of the Rome Statute and the September 2025 findings of the UN Commission of Inquiry
HRF’s report places Hillel within the broader Israeli policy of systematically destroying Gaza’s ability to sustain life—homes, water systems, schools, hospitals, and civilian districts.
HRF: Denmark Must Not Be a Gateway for Atrocity Crimes
“Denmark cannot allow its territory to become a revolving door for soldiers who took part in the systematic devastation of Gaza,” said Dyab Abou Jahjah, Director of the Hind Rajab Foundation.
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“This is not only a legal issue—it is a political and moral test for Europe. If European states want credibility when they speak about human rights and international law, they must ensure that individuals like Ohad Hillel face genuine investigation and accountability, not safe passage.
“Much of what happened in Gaza cannot be characterized as combat operations. It was the result of methodical and systematic destruction,” said Natacha Bracq, Head of Litigation at HRF.
“Civilian neighborhoods were deliberately burned, protected structures were intentionally destroyed, and entire communities were erased through purposeful actions. Evidence indicates that Ohad Hillel participated in these acts. Under international law, Denmark has both the legal basis and the obligation to act.
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The complaint urges Danish authorities to immediately launch a criminal investigation under §§118 c, 118 f, 118 g, and 118 h of the Danish Criminal Code, prevent Ohad Hillel from leaving the country, and seize all electronic devices that may contain evidence of his actions in Gaza. It also calls for an inquiry into possible aiding and abetting under §§21–23 and for formal updates pursuant to §158 of the Criminal Procedure Code. For the Hind Rajab Foundation, this case is part of a broader global strategy: ensuring that no Israeli soldier implicated in war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide can have sanctuary. HRF is pursuing perpetrators across multiple jurisdictions, building a legal firewall against impunity. We will continue this work until every perpetrator, every accomplice, and every inciter of the Gaza genocide is held accountable.