During vacation: pro-Palestinian organization files complaint against 'Im Tirtzu' CEO

The Belgian pro-Palestinian organization Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) filed a criminal complaint on Friday in Hanoi with Vietnamese authorities against Matan Gerfi, CEO of the right-wing movement 'Im Tirtzu', who is currently on vacation in Vietnam. The organization demands that authorities arrest Gerfi, open a criminal investigation against him, and prosecute him. HRF claims that Gerfi, 39, served as a reservist in Battalion 920 of the Northern Regional Brigade 769, operated in Gaza and southern Lebanon, and attributes to him 'direct involvement in the unlawful destruction of civilian property.' The complaint details allegations of war crimes and genocide, including the destruction of civilian infrastructure in central Gaza, refugee camps, and neighborhoods in Gaza, as well as activities in southern Lebanon. It is further alleged that Gerfi made public statements calling for the forced expulsion, killing, and starvation of the Palestinian population, and supported permanent expulsion. HRF notes that Vietnam is a signatory to the Geneva Conventions and the Genocide Convention, and therefore has an obligation to investigate and prosecute suspects. Natasha Barak, head of litigation at HRF, said that 'it is unacceptable that Matan Gerfi vacations among the Vietnamese people' after participating in and inciting genocide. Diab Abu Jahjah, founder and CEO of HRF, claimed that Gerfi 'used his public platform as a weapon' to continue the genocide campaign. The organization has previously filed complaints against senior Israelis in many countries, including the Netherlands, Italy, Czech Republic, Portugal, Spain, Romania, Cyprus, Peru, the US, and Canada. Most complaints have not received official attention.