A Brussels-based Human Rights Organization claims an Israeli soldier responsible for the death of a Palestinian civilian has been located in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo.
The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) has demanded the arrest and prosecution of the said Israeli soldier who they identify as Gal Ferenbook not only for the death of the Palestinian but also for degrading of their body.
Claiming the accused Israeli soldier is now in Colombo, the Foundation has formally demanded the Sri Lankan Authorities arrest him immediately and cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“A formal complaint has also been submitted to the ICC and the case has been communicated to Interpol to issue an international ‘Red Notice’ for his apprehension.
On Thursday Sri Lanka government spokesperson Dr Nalinda Jayatissa said that he doesn’t have the information at hand and promised to provide an update in the next cabinet press briefing.
HRF in their statement has detailed what they claim to be evidence against the Israeli soldier.
“On August 9, 2024, Gal Ferenbook, a member of Company B, Sayeret Golani, publicly shared a video on his Instagram account that shows Mr.Ferenbook inside an armored personnel carrier (APC) in Gaza, looking at the remains of a deceased Palestinian civilian on the vehicle’s monitor”.
Posting further what HRF claims as proof, it quotes a second individual’s voice, speaking in Hebrew, mocking the situation and referring to Mr.Ferenbook by his nickname.
“We are here with Gal Foundouk (nickname of Mr Ferenbook) Our terminator! Here, here are the remains of the body (laughs), and here’s the terminator!”.
After this, HRF alleges “Mr.Ferenbook can be seen laughing proudly, treating the deceased as a war trophy and boasting about his involvement in the killing”.
According to the release by HRF, the particular video, combined with its contextual evidence and embedded metadata confirms their allegation of Mr. Ferenbook’s presence in Gaza during Israeli military operation and his involvement in actions that violate international humanitarian law, including outrage upon the personal dignity of the deceased.
“The mocking and celebratory tone strongly suggest Mr. Ferenbook’s direct responsibility for the unlawful killing of a Palestinian civilian and further documents the destruction of civilian infrastructure outside of military necessity”.
Having placed what they claim to be strong and compelling evidence, HRF now seeks strong action from the Government of Sri Lanka to ensure justice for the deceased Palestinian, urging the island nation to act according to its international obligations.
“A demand has been officially communicated to Sri Lankan law enforcement and relevant ministries to arrest and detail Gal Ferenbook while facilitating cooperation with the ICC. Sri Lanka is urged to act under international legal principles, including the prohibition of impunity for war crimes”.
Apart from the formal demand to the Sri Lankan government, HRF has also lodged a complaint with the ICC, under Article 15 of the Rome Statute, requesting the top international court to open an investigation into the Israeli Soldier Gal Ferenbook.
Three specific charges-outraging personal dignity, willful killing of a protected person, and destruction of civilian infrastructure. has been made against him in the ICC, under various articles of the Rome Statute.
The Hind Rajab Foundation has also written to Interpol to issue an international ‘Red Notice’ for the immediate apprehension of Gal Ferenbook.
HRF goes on to allege, that this particular case reflects what they call a “systematic pattern of violations” committed by Israeli forces in Gaza.
In their communication to Interpol, HRF says the case against the Israeli soldier is an example “Extrajudicial killings of civilians, Desecration and degrading treatment of deceased individuals and Unlawful destruction of civilian infrastructure” in Gaza. They point out these violations are only illustrative and not exhaustive.
In their indictment, HRF says Sayeret Golani, an elite reconnaissance unit of the Golani Brigade has been repeatedly implicated in similar violations during Israeli military operations in Gaza.
“This incident further highlights the deliberate dehumanization of Palestinian victims, which constitutes war crimes under international law.
Gal Farenbook has blood on his hands. Not only he desecrated the dignity of a deceased Palestinian civilian but also boasts and take credit for this unlawful killing. His presence in Sri Lanka presents a crucial opportunity to ensure accountability”.
Now, the HRF wants the Sri Lankan authorities to act decisively, detain Gal Farenbook immediately, and facilitate cooperation with the ICC.
It also calls upon the ICC to investigate and prosecute him for war crimes under the Rome Statute and the Interpol to issue a Red Notice to prevent him from fleeing and ensure he faces justice. Sri Lanka should send a message that impunity for such atrocities will not be tolerated.
Critics point out, that Sri Lanka is yet to act decisively to prosecute their own security forces alleged to have committed gross human rights violations and crimes against humanity. None of the accused in the Sri Lankan tri-services have been held accountable and a culture of impunity continues to exist protecting the state forces. Sri Lanka is not a member state of the ICC.
The Hind Rajab Foundation is a branch of the March 30 Movement mainly dedicated to the quest for justice in response to the crimes against humanity, war crimes, and human rights violations perpetrated by the Israeli state against Palestinians.
On November 21, 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif.
