The Hind Rajab Foundation has filed a criminal complaint in Italy against an Israeli soldier currently on holiday in Tuscany, on the basis of his involvement in war crimes, crimes against humanity and acts of genocide committed in Gaza. The foundation is calling on Italian authorities to open an immediate investigation into Yonatan Chalich.
According to HRF, Chalich served with the Tycoon Company of the Givati Shaked Battalion, under the 401st Armored Brigade, during Israel’s war campaign on Gaza between October 2023 and August 2024. Its complaint alleges his involvement in three incidents: the siege and destruction of Al-Shifa Hospital in March to April 2024, the burning of the Haj Hamdi Harzallah Mosque in December 2023, and the destruction of Palestine Square in Gaza City that same month.
The foundation says that Chalich personally documented his presence inside Al-Shifa during the military operation, also citing photographs allegedly showing members of his unit inside the mosque while it was burning, and material showing the unit’s involvement in the destruction around Palestine Square.
The foundation says it has previously filed complaints in Italy concerning suspected Israeli war crimes but that Italian authorities have taken no action. HRF is now urging Italy to investigate the allegations and take legal action against Chalich.
