War

The Hind Rajab Foundation, named after a five-year-old Palestinian girl murdered by Israeli soldiers, has launched a formal challenge against the appointment of Colonel Moshe Tetro as Israel’s military attaché in Belgium, citing his alleged direct involvement in war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in Gaza. The Brussels-based foundation has also filed a detailed complaint with the International Criminal Court.The foundation alleges that Tetro, in his previous role as head of COGAT’s Coordination and Liaison Administration to Gaza, implemented policies of starvation and orchestrated attacks on hospitals. “Here we are dealing with a key figure in the implementation of Israeli policy toward hospitals and the strategy of famine and thirst as a weapon of war,” said Foundation Chairman Dyab Abou Jahjah.
Hind Rajab was killed along with six family members when Israeli forces deliberately shelled their civilian vehicle in Gaza City in January 2024. The foundation set up in her name has called on the Belgian government to deny Tetro’s diplomatic accreditation. A Sky News investigation revealed that the Israeli army intentionally targeted the vehicle as the family attempted to flee intense fighting. Hind is one of approximately 20,000 Palestinian children killed by Israel since October 2023.“Allowing Moshe Tetro to serve in Belgium would be an endorsement of his crimes,” said Jahjah in a letter to Belgium’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The foundation accuses Tetro of directing attacks on hospitals, including Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis and Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, citing evidence of his direct communication with hospital directors before attacks that resulted in mass casualties.“Tetro’s policies of starvation and attacks on hospitals are not isolated incidents, they are part of a larger strategy of dehumanisation and destruction targeting the Palestinian people,” added Jahjah. “We will not rest until justice is served, and we call on all nations to join us in this fight.”Belgium, as a signatory to the Geneva Conventions and a champion of the rule of law, has a unique opportunity to set a precedent by refusing to accept Tetro’s credentials. The world is watching, and it is believed that the decisions made today will shape the global response to impunity for war crimes.Israel has rejected the accusations through its Ambassador to Belgium, Idit Rosenzweig-Abu, claiming somewhat predictably that “Israel acts according to international law” and describing Tetro as a “decorated and respected officer.”The complaint follows recent ICC arrest warrants issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. The Hind Rajab Foundation has distributed copies of their complaint to multiple nations, urging coordinated efforts to prosecute Tetro and ensure accountability for alleged war crimes.