Rights groups file war crimes complaint in Canada against Israel's Olmert, Livni

Prominent human rights organizations have filed a criminal complaint in Canada against former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert and former foreign minister Tzipi Livni ahead of their visit to Toronto.

The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights (CLAIHR), and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) called on Canadian authorities to open an investigation and issue arrest warrants for the pair under Canada’s Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act.

Olmert, Israel’s prime minister from 2006 to 2009, and Livni, a former law and foreign minister, held ultimate responsibility for the regime’s 2008–2009 Gaza military assault, known as "Operation Cast Lead."

The offensive killed more than 1,300 Palestinians, including over 300 children, and involved indiscriminate attacks on civilians, white phosphorus use in densely populated areas, and destruction of homes, mosques, and medical facilities, the complaint stated.

“Universal jurisdiction exists for precisely these moments," said Henry Off, CLAIHR board member. "We cannot let political power protect those suspected of grave crimes.”

Natacha Bracq, head of litigation at HRF, added, "Those who planned, ordered, and supervised crimes against Palestinians must be held accountable."

The complaint also urges Canadian authorities to question Olmert and Livni about Israel’s ongoing war crimes in Gaza since October 2023, as part of a broader investigation into Tel Aviv’s international crimes.

Both Olmert and Livni have faced similar complaints in Germany, the UK, Belgium, and Switzerland.

Hind Rajab Foundation files war crimes complaint against Israeli soldier in Czech Republic

The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) has filed a criminal complaint against an Israeli soldier in the Czech Republic.

In 2009, a British court issued an arrest warrant for Livni over war crimes committed during the so-called Operation Cast Lead.

Last month, HRF filed a criminal complaint in Germany against Olmert, urging authorities to investigate and issue an arrest warrant.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also faced international scrutiny over his role in the regime's genocidal war in Gaza.

Last year, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former war minister, Yoav Gallant, over “criminal responsibility” for the crimes committed in Gaza.

The ICC said that Netanyahu and Gallant "bear criminal responsibility for the following crimes as co-perpetrators for committing the acts jointly with others: the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare; and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts."

Some European courts have also considered arrest warrants against Netanyahu for perpetuating genocide in Gaza, highlighting growing international demands for accountability of Israeli politicians.

According to the HRF and the two other rights organizations, the Canadian complaint reflects a commitment to justice for Palestinians and enforcement of universal jurisdiction against individuals suspected of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

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