UN expert applauds Brazil's investigation of Israeli soldier

Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine, has praised a Brazilian court's decision to investigate an Israeli soldier accused of crimes in Gaza, describing the move as a much-needed step towards justice.

Her comments, made on X, came after the Belgium-based Hind Rajab Foundation announced that the court had acted on its complaint against Israeli soldier Yuval Vagdani, ordering police to open an investigation.

Israeli media later reported that Vagdani had fled Brazil, apparently to evade legal proceedings. Albanese criticised Israel’s attempts to shield its military personnel, accusing the country of trying to avoid setting a dangerous precedent.

She wrote, "Apartheid Israel will go to great lengths to shield its soldiers since a conviction abroad for crimes against Palestinians is a precedent it cannot afford. Yet, justice is unstoppable."

The case has highlighted ongoing calls for international accountability for Israel’s actions in Palestine, with rights groups urging further legal measures against alleged war crimes.