DayofPal— The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) announced it will appeal a decision by Lithuanian authorities refusing to open a pre-trial investigation into an Israeli soldier who involved in the killing of Palestinian child Hind Rajab during the Gaza war.
In a statement released Thursday, HRF said the Prosecutor General’s Office of Lithuania declined to pursue the case against Sean Gor, an Israeli soldier currently studying in Kaunas, citing insufficient evidence directly linking him to specific criminal acts, as well as limitations related to universal jurisdiction.
The legal complaint, filed by HRF, is based on what a comprehensive investigation into the activities of a military unit known as the “Vampire Empire” company, part of the 52nd Armoured Battalion within Israel’s 401st Armoured Brigade.
According to HRF, Gor served in this unit during his deployment in Gaza between October 2023 and at least August 2024.
HRF alleges that the unit was involved in several major military operations across Gaza, including incidents in Gaza City and Rafah that it may amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
Among the cases cited is the killing of five-year-old Hind Rajab, along with members of her family and two paramedics, in January 2024 in the Tel Al-Hawa neighborhood.
According to the foundation, the child’s vehicle came under sustained gunfire for hours, and an ambulance sent to rescue her, reportedly coordinated with Israeli authorities, was also targeted.
HRF claims Israeli armored units, including Gor’s battalion, were operating in close proximity at the time.
HRF strongly criticized the Lithuanian prosecutor’s decision, adding that it sets an unreasonably high evidentiary threshold at the preliminary stage of investigation.
“Pre-trial investigations exist precisely to establish individual responsibility,” the organization said, adding that requiring conclusive proof before launching an inquiry undermines the principles of criminal procedure.
The foundation also emphasized that Gor’s presence in Lithuania creates a legal obligation for authorities to act under the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows national courts to prosecute serious international crimes regardless of where they were committed.
HRF confirmed it will challenge the ruling through the appeals process and continue pursuing legal action across multiple jurisdictions.
The organization stated it has identified 24 individuals allegedly linked to the killing of Hind Rajab and is preparing additional cases in several countries.
HRF officials reiterated their commitment to what they described as a broader effort to combat impunity and secure accountability through international and domestic legal mechanisms.
“The pursuit of justice will continue through all available avenues,” the statement said, “and no procedural obstacle will bring this effort to an end.”
The case is part of an expanding international legal campaign seeking accountability for violations committed during the ongoing Gaza genocide.
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