JERUSALEM (JTA) — A group of lawyers in Norway has accused 10 Israeli officials, including Ehud Olmert, of war crimes in Gaza.
The six lawyers filed a complaint Wednesday with Norway’s chief prosecutor under the country’s new universal jurisdiction law, which allows lawyers to file charges against foreigners — including leaders of other countries — for crimes against humanity and war crimes occurring anywhere in the world, according to reports.
Along with Olmert, the former prime minister, ex-Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, Defense Minister Ehud Barak and seven army officers were accused of responsibility for "massive terror attacks primarily directed at Gaza’s population" during Operation Cast Lead, The Associated Press reported.
"There can be no doubt that these subjects knew about, ordered or approved the actions in Gaza and that they had considered the consequences of these actions," the lawyers said in a statement.
The attorneys represent three Norwegians of Palestinian origin and 20 families who lost family members or property during the three-week Gaza operation earlier this year.
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