Complaint Filed in Italy Against Israeli Soldier Over Gaza Demolitions, HRF Says

What happened

The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), reporting from Rome, says it has filed a criminal complaint against Israeli soldier Arik Ben Asulin. The complaint alleges that Ben Asulin committed war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of genocide during Israel’s war on Gaza. It was submitted to prosecutors in Italy, citing the country's universal jurisdiction over serious international crimes under the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. HRF supports its complaint with social media posts by Ben Asulin, which reportedly include videos of demolitions and photographs showing him handling detonation cables. The organisation asserts these materials show his direct involvement in demolition operations as well as his public endorsement of such acts.

Ben Asulin is identified as a member of the Israeli army's 749th Combat Engineering Battalion and is believed to currently be in Italy. The complaint specifically points to his role in the destruction of civilian infrastructure in Gaza, including targeting Al-Azhar University and residential neighborhoods such as Shujaiya and the Netzarim Corridor.

Known from the source

• The Hind Rajab Foundation says it filed a criminal complaint in Rome against Israeli soldier Arik Ben Asulin.
• The complaint alleges war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide during Israel’s war on Gaza.
• HRF cites social media posts by Ben Asulin showing demolitions and detonation cables.
• Ben Asulin served in the Israeli army’s 749th Combat Engineering Battalion and is believed to be in Italy.
• The complaint refers to Italy’s universal jurisdiction under the Geneva Conventions and Rome Statute.

What remains unclear

The filing comes amid ongoing conflict-related humanitarian concerns in Gaza, including widespread damage to civilian infrastructure and contested claims regarding military actions. The legal move underscores the international reach of war crime allegations tied to the Gaza conflict, but the complaint’s claims remain unverified by independent sources in the supplied material.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Verify Arik Ben Asulin’s current whereabouts and military status. Confirm the contents and authenticity of the social media posts cited by HRF. Check official Italian prosecutor response or investigation status regarding the complaint.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Middle East Eye Gaza. Open the source.