Hind Rajab Foundation has filed cases with the International Criminal Court (ICC) and Italian authorities demanding the immediate arrest of Major General Ghassan Alian, Head of the Israeli government’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), who is currently in Rome, Italy.
The HRF website emphasizes his role in the genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes stating,” Time is of the essence to ensure accountability for his actions.”
They further stated,” Alian, who publicly referred to Palestinians in Gaza as “human animals,” has no immunity from prosecution.”
Alian played a pivotal role in supervising the policies implemented by Yoav Gallant and Benjamin Netanyahu, for which ICC has already issued arrest warrants for weaponizing famine and attacking civilian infrastructure through COGAT.
According to HRF, Alian as head of COGAT since April 2021, has overseen the administration of the West Bank and the long-standing blockade of Gaza.
Following October 7, 2023, he supervised and enforced a total siege on Gaza, cutting off essential resources such as food, water, electricity, and medical supplies. This deliberate policy of deprivation has led to mass starvation, civilian deaths, and the destruction of critical infrastructure, including hospitals.
They also highlight Alian’s statements, including the infamous declaration that “human animals must be treated as such,” demonstrate genocidal intent and a calculated effort to destroy the population of Gaza in whole or in part.
The HRF stresses that Italy, as a signatory to the Rome Statute, is obligated to act, as his presence in Rome provides Italian authorities with an opportunity to uphold international law by issuing an arrest warrant and ensuring his prosecution.
“COGAT has been instrumental in enforcing policies that amount to collective punishment, which is prohibited under the Geneva Conventions,” stated Lawyer Haroon Raza of the HRF. “Major General Alian has directly overseen these crimes, and the time to act is now.”, she added.
“Alian’s presence in Rome is a test of Italy’s commitment to justice and the rule of law,” said Dyab Abou Jahjah, Chairman of the Hind Rajab Foundation.
“We cannot allow individuals responsible for these heinous crimes to evade accountability. Time is of the essence, and the world is watching.”, he further stated.
The Hind Rajab Foundation urged Italian authorities to act swiftly and decisively as the arrest of Major General Ghassan Alian would send a clear message that impunity for war crimes and crimes against humanity will not be tolerated.
UN special rapporteur Franceska Albanese took to X stating,” This will ensure that individuals suspected of int’l crimes on their territories are taken very seriously”.
Last year, the Hind Rajab Foundation, affiliated with the March 30 Movement, submitted a complaint to the International Criminal Court (ICC) on October 8, accusing over 1,000 Israeli soldiers of perpetrating war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in Gaza.
The Foundation emphasizes that all 1,000 soldiers named in the complaint, including high-ranking officers, were physically present in Gaza during the period in question, and the evidence directly connects them to violations of international law. Notably, the complaint identifies soldiers holding dual citizenship, including individuals from France, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.