A pro-Palestinian organization announced earlier today (Monday) that it has filed requests with Italian authorities and the International Criminal Court (ICC) seeking the immediate arrest of Major General Ghasan Alyan, Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), who is reportedly in Rome for meetings.
The Hind Rajab Foundation, through its founder Diab Abu Jahjah, told Democracy Now that they are pursuing Alyan's arrest over allegations of his role in "starving Gaza residents." The organization claims Alyan bears responsibility for overseeing policies related to the Gaza blockade since October 7.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the foundation stated: "We have submitted requests to the International Criminal Court and appealed to Italian authorities demanding the immediate arrest of Major General Ghasan Alyan, currently in Rome. Alyan supervised the siege of Gaza, the use of hunger as a weapon, and attacks on civilian infrastructure, including hospitals - acts that constitute genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity."
Israeli authorities are reportedly working to secure Alyan's return to Israel. Italy, as a signatory to the Rome Statute which governs the ICC, could theoretically be obligated to act on such requests.
This latest action follows a pattern of similar legal challenges by the organization. Last Thursday, they filed an "urgent arrest request" for an Israeli soldier allegedly in Sweden. Ten days ago, they pursued similar action in Brazil against Israeli reservist Yuval Vagdani, who was forced to quickly leave Brazil for Argentina before returning to Israel via Miami after Brazilian authorities ordered an investigation into alleged war crimes.
The Hind Rajab Foundation, established in September 2024, works in conjunction with the "March 30 Movement" (named after the Palestinian Land Day). Both organizations are led by Abu Jahjah and Karim Hassoun, who operate from Belgium. Their primary activity involves tracking digital footprints of Israeli soldiers, particularly those who have documented themselves in Gaza, and submitting their information to the ICC and various national authorities where these soldiers might travel.
Israeli officials have not yet publicly commented on the situation involving Major General Alyan. The development marks the first known attempt to secure an arrest warrant for such a senior Israeli military figure during the current conflict.
Ynet contributed to this article.
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