Hind Rajab Foundation Files Complaint in Limassol, Urges Cyprus to Detain Visiting Israeli War Criminal

Livman filmed himself burning a house in Gaza.

Limassol, Cyprus, 14 November 2024 – The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) has lodged an urgent complaint with Cypriot authorities, calling for immediate action against Elisha Livman, a lieutenant in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), currently visiting Cyprus on a tourist visa. Livman, an officer in the T80 Infantry Unit, Sayeret Givati, have committed serious war crimes and exhibited genocidal intent in recent military operations in Gaza.

Comprehensive Evidence of Grave Allegations
The complaint submitted by HRF is supported by substantial video evidence that highlights Livman’s involvement in activities that constitute severe violations of international law:

Video 1: Livman is captured setting civilian property on fire while openly declaring his intent to continue such actions throughout Gaza. His statements imply an objective of extensive and indiscriminate destruction.

Video 2: Livman is seen pointing to destroyed civilian homes in Gaza, describing a strategy designed to drive out the local population, thereby facilitating settlement in these areas. His commentary reveals an intent to forcibly displace and replace communities, in violation of international norms.

In addition to his actions in Gaza, recent social media posts by Livman made during his visit to Cyprus incite violence against a Lebanese-owned restaurant in Limassol, underscoring the ongoing nature of his inflammatory rhetoric.

Call for Immediate and Decisive Measures: The Hind Rajab Foundation respectfully urges Cypriot authorities to:
Initiate a Thorough Investigation: An immediate and comprehensive review of the submitted evidence is requested to evaluate the validity of the allegations.

Issue a Detention Order: To ensure Livman’s availability during the investigation, HRF calls on Cypriot authorities to issue a detention order, preventing his departure from the country.

Engage International Collaboration: Cyprus is encouraged to work closely with international legal entities to support the investigation and any potential prosecution.

Legal Grounds for Action: This case rests upon both Cypriot and international legal principles, which strongly support the need for immediate action:

Cypriot Criminal Code: Provides for the prosecution of grave international crimes, including those committed outside Cypriot territory, under the doctrine of universal jurisdiction.

Geneva Conventions: Prohibit attacks on civilians and civilian property during armed conflict; the acts documented in this complaint represent clear breaches of these conventions.

Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide: Statements attributed to Livman in the evidence meet criteria for genocidal intent as outlined in this convention.

Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court: As a state party to the Rome Statute, Cyprus holds obligations to prosecute war crimes and crimes against humanity, including actions targeting civilian populations.

“This is a critical opportunity for Cyprus to demonstrate its commitment to upholding international law and preventing impunity for serious human rights abuses,” stated Dyab Abou Jahjah of the Hind Rajab Foundation. “We respectfully call upon Cyprus to fulfill its legal obligations, respond decisively, and take all necessary actions to ensure that justice is served.”