Belgian Police Question Two Israelis at Tomorrowland Festival Amid War Crimes Allegations

Following allegations from pro-Palestinian groups, Belgian police detained two Israelis at Tomorrowland festival for waving flags linked to the Givati Brigade, investigating claims under universal jurisdiction laws concerning international crimes.

Belgian police have questioned two Israeli men who attended the Tomorrowland music festival after complaints from two pro-Palestinian organizations alleging they waved the flag of the Givati Brigade, a unit of the Israeli army. The young men were briefly detained before being released, according to prosecutors.

The complaints, brought forth by the Hind Rajab Foundation and the Global Legal Action Network, alleged that the pair's actions amounted to the committing of war crimes regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This incident occurred during a performance by the Israeli DJ duo Vini Vici at the festival last Friday, where the Givati Brigade's purple and white flag was reportedly displayed alongside other Israeli flags.

Prosecutors have indicated that no additional details will be released at this time regarding the investigation. The Hind Rajab Foundation labeled the questioning of the Israelis as a notable development in the interrogation of violations related to the conflict. It is believed that the two men were not restricted from leaving Belgium following their release.

In response, the Israeli embassy in Brussels confirmed the men's release but refrained from further commenting on the situation. Prior to the questioning, Belgian prosecutors asserted they would investigate the case under the nation’s universal jurisdiction law, which allows local courts to address alleged offenses committed internationally. This law was recently updated to empower Belgian authorities in the collection of evidence regarding international violations.

The European Jewish Association expressed concern over the approach taken by the Belgian officials towards the two Israelis, asserting that the actions of these soldiers should be viewed in the context of lawful military duties executed in defense of their nation, comparable to those performed by soldiers of any democratic country.

Notably, the Tomorrowland festival carried on despite a fire incident which destroyed the main stage just two days before the event was set to commence. The festival attracted tens of thousands of attendees, featuring performances by notable artists, including David Guetta and Lost Frequencies.