Update: Preliminary Investigation against Israeli War Criminal Yair Ohana in Greece

23 June 2026, Athens, Greece – The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) announces a significant procedural development in its criminal complaint against Major Yair Ohana, an Israeli officer accused of war crimes and genocide in Gaza. A preliminary investigation was officially opened in September 2025, and the case remains active as the investigation continues.

On 22 June 2026, HRF’s legal counsel, Ms. Evgenia Kouniaki, appeared before the investigative judge to address matters related to the ongoing proceedings and provided more information to support HRF’s allegations.

Major Ohana is accused of individual criminal responsibility for systematic attacks on civilian objects, torture, and genocide.

The criminal complaint, initially submitted on 3 September 2025 to the Prosecutor of the Supreme Court of Greece, accuses Major Ohana of individual criminal responsibility for systematic attacks on civilian objects, torture, and genocide. As a company commander and logistics officer in the Givati Brigade’s 432nd Infantry Battalion “Tzabar,” Ohana played a central role in the destruction of neighborhoods in North Gaza, as well as the inhumane transfer of Palestinian detainees.

Dyab Abu Jahjah, General Director at HRF:

“The opening of the preliminary investigation indicates that Greece appears to be taking its international obligations seriously. The appearance of our lawyer, Ms. Kouniaki, before the investigative judge on 22 June is a crucial step in breaking the wall of impunity. We urge the Greek authorities to continue investigating Israeli war criminals present on its territory without delay, ensuring that there is no safe haven for those accused of committing atrocities in Gaza.”

Evgenia Kouniaki, lawyer representing HRF:

“The hearing before the investigative judge marks an important phase. It shows that the Greek judicial system is looking into the evidence of war crimes and genocide committed by Israeli soldiers in Gaza submitted by HRF. Meaningful and genuine investigations must now begin, including those involving Israeli and Greek dual nationals involved in the genocide in Gaza.”

HRF will continue to monitor the progress of this investigation and provide further updates as they become available. HRF’s investigation exposes that Greece has become a popular holiday destination for Israeli soldiers seeking respite after committing war crimes against Palestinians.

HRF has already filed five criminal complaints against Israeli soldiers and officials traveling to Greece, aiming to dismantle the culture of impunity that allows war criminals and genocidaires to vacation freely and use European territory as a safe haven.