Israel’s genocide in Gaza has left soldiers serving in the occupation army “afraid” to return “home”, fearing prosecution for war crimes committed during the ongoing assault which has killed more than 58,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children.
In Canada, where several citizens have served in the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), a growing number of those soldiers are reported to be reconsidering trips home after learning they may be under investigation. In June, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed it had launched a “structural investigation” into crimes committed during the Gaza assault.
The RCMP said it was acting under Canada’s Crimes Against Humanity and War Crimes Act, which gives Canadian authorities the power to gather evidence and eventually open criminal cases into genocide, war crimes or crimes against humanity, even when these crimes happen abroad.
The investigation began in early 2024 and is described as an intelligence-gathering process, but the RCMP has not ruled out future prosecutions. In a statement issued on 4 June, the force clarified: “Should a perpetrator of core international crimes — such as genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity — with the appropriate nexus to Canada be identified, the RCMP will initiate a separate criminal investigation.”
While no charges have been laid, the investigation has already created anxiety among duel Israeli Canadian citizens who served in Gaza. Several have reportedly cancelled trips or sought legal advice. Some fear being detained at the border; others say they have received no support from Israeli officials or consular services. (more...)
‘I’m afraid to go home’: Israeli soldiers fear prosecution over genocide in Gaza
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