Dutch citizens in Israeli army should be punished for taking part in Gaza killings: Dutch lawyer

ISTANBUL (AA) – A Dutch non-governmental group has filed a complaint with prosecutors against dual nationals who allegedly committed war crimes in the Gaza Strip after joining the Israeli army.

The March 30 Movement, represented by attorney Haroon Raza, formally lodged a complaint against Leah Rachmani, who posted on social media during her Israeli army service.

The complaint was submitted to the National Dutch Prosecutors Office and outlined allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and potential genocide in Gaza by the Israeli army.

“We know what is happening in Gaza,” Raza told Anadolu, referring to Israel’s relentless attacks on Gaza since October 7, which have killed at least 28,663 Palestinians.

“We have social media, of course, and direct access to certain crimes and genocide. So, that’s the main reason for us as well through the March 30 Movement to do something about that,” he said.

“The first thing you should do is look at the laws in the countries where you are living and see what you could do regarding this issue. One of the easiest and most accessible steps is to file a complaint with the prosecutor’s office.”

The March 30 Movement was founded by activists in response to the latest developments in Gaza.

It is waiting for the prosecutors to accept the complaints for the next stage. If the complaints are not accepted, Raza said it would appeal to a Dutch high court.

The movement has lodged complaints against 10 Israeli soldiers – some have dual nationality, not only Dutch, but from other European countries, he said.

It requested that the prosecutors’ office at least launch an investigation and follow up on the prosecution, he said.

– Ample social media evidence –

The complaints are very simple, said Raza, adding that evidence backing them up is ample because of what soldiers revealed on social media.

“They have been very proudly dancing around on tanks while killing people. They have been proliferating this disinformation for the whole world to see,” he said.

“So, all we have done is we have been looking on social media and gathered that evidence and just submitted it. And that’s how simple it is.”

He stressed that under Dutch law, for instance, if you charge and prosecute the ISIS group, you can also charge the Israeli military for the same thing.

“So, there’s no reason whatsoever they should not arrest and prosecute any and all IDF (Israeli army) soldiers who have been found to actively participate in this war and genocide,” he said.

Raza said in the Netherlands, if you commit murder, you can face life in prison.

“If you actually kill somebody … or fall within the genocide Convention or another category of war crimes, you can receive a life sentence,” he said.

“I don’t expect the Dutch courts to do that,” said Raza, adding that he expects if the court takes its responsibilities under international law seriously, the soldiers should go to jail for a couple of years at least.

“They are indiscriminately killing civilians, as we can all see without a doubt, attacking hospitals, blowing up ambulances and killing journalists, writers, putting lawyers in jail,” he said. “They have been doing this for many years.”

– Complaints against Dutch prime minister –

The March 30 Movement also lodged complaints against Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and cabinet ministers.

The Netherlands has been complicit with Israel by re-exporting arms and spare parts for weapons, not just F-35 fighter jets but Apaches, missiles, and other weapon systems, as well as sharing knowledge, said Raza.

Those weapons are now being used in Gaza, he added.

The lawyer stressed that the Dutch government was aware of it and actively supported Israel. The support included actions such as abstaining in UN votes against a cease-fire and employing political tactics to advance an Israeli agenda, he said.

“That is why we felt the necessity to also file a complaint against the prime minister, other ministers, and companies,”​​​​​​​ he said.