ICJP seeks arrest of Israeli soldiers in Netherlands over Gaza 'war crimes'

The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) has filed a formal notice to the Dutch police to arrest two Israeli soldiers over suspected war crimes committed in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

The legal action, filed under the ICJP’s Global 195 coalition, identifies two individuals believed to be serving members of the Israeli army who are believed to be in Amsterdam.

The Coalition gathered evidence in 18 months of field investigation, including over 130 eyewitness testimonies from Gaza, meeting international criminal standards. 

According to the report, the two soldiers served in the 420th and 890th battalions. "They are both believed to have served in the 420th and 890th battalions. The 420th Battalion, also referred to as 'The Iron Tracks', is part of the 646th Brigade of the 99th (Reserve) Division," the report said.

The dossier includes open‑source images, including one from 15 February 2024 showing a soldier holding an 890th flag captioned 'End of Gaza', alongside a service record noting deployments first to Nur Shams refugee camp in Tulkarm, then Jenin, followed by assignment in Khan Younis in Gaza.

The ICJP has urged Dutch authorities to open an investigation and arrest the individuals immediately, warning that the Netherlands to act under its obligations as a State Party to the Rome Statute and domestic criminal laws.

"The Coalition calls on Dutch police to arrest and detain the individual, in compliance with the Netherland’s international obligations under the Rome Statute, and in accordance with article 2 of the International Crimes Act (2003) and open a formal investigation into their potential role in war crimes, including violations of the laws and customs of war and crimes against humanity," it added.

The ICC has already issued arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

Since its March launch, Global 195 has coordinated similar legal filings and private complaints worldwide, including Romania, Canada, Bosnia, Turkey, Malaysia and Norway.

In Romania, an ICJP‑backed legal team submitted a complaint alleging involvement in alleged war crimes by a soldier photographed dressed as a Palestinian civilian.

ICJP Director Tayab Ali said at the time: "No one who commits international crimes should be able to travel the world with impunity."

Legal experts said the Global 195 came as a response to the longstanding failure of international bodies like the ICC and UN to enforce accountability. ICJP’s goal is to activate domestic legal systems, including private prosecution mechanisms, to cut off safe havens for suspected perpetrators. 

In the Netherlands, previous complaints filed by pro‑Palestinian groups have often been dismissed or delayed on procedural grounds. 

Still, ICJP has formally offered Dutch police full access to its evidence library and investigation files, stressing its compliance with legal standards. Dutch police have acknowledged receipt of the notice.