Switzerland opens investigation into Israeli soldier's war crimes in historic first

Swiss authorities have opened an investigation into an Israeli soldier present in the country for war crimes, the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) has confirmed on Wednesday. 

The HRF has said in a statement that their complaint to Swiss authorities provides "extensive evidence implicating the individual in war crimes and crimes against humanity, including attacks on civilians, destruction of homes and hospitals, forced displacement, and other grave violations of international law committed in the Gaza Strip." 

The investigation begins as Israel faces mounting legal troubles for its war crimes in Gaza. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. HRF has focused more on soldiers and commanders of the Israeli army, bringing their atrocities to light in different countries, including Brazil, Spain and now Switzerland. 

The Hind Rajab Foundation, named for the six-year-old Palestinian girl murdered by Israeli soldiers in cold blood,  was formed last year to hold the Israeli army to account for breaking international laws.