Hind Rajab Foundation Seeks Arrest of Alian

The Hind Rajab Foundation has filed cases with the International Criminal Court (ICC) and Italian authorities seeking the arrest of Major General Ghassan Alian, head of the Israeli government's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), currently in Rome. They accuse Alian of overseeing a total blockade of Gaza, which they claim constitutes genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, particularly due to the deprivation of essential resources leading to mass starvation and civilian casualties. Alian's statements, including referring to Palestinians as 'human animals,' are cited as evidence of genocidal intent. The organization asserts that Italy, as a signatory to the Rome Statute, is obliged to act on this request for arrest. Francesca Albanese, a UN special rapporteur, has called for swift action from Italian authorities regarding the allegations against Alian. The situation arises amid ongoing violence in Gaza, which has resulted in significant civilian deaths and humanitarian crises since October 2023.