Israel moves to prosecute Hamas terrorists over Gaza war crimes

An Israeli indictment was filed against Ibrahim Hilo, a Hamas operative who held the remains of IDF soldier Oron Shaul for nearly a decade. Israeli police, Shin Bet and the IDF gathered evidence linking Hilo to the kidnapping and long‑term retention of the soldier’s body, which was recovered in a secret operation before the Gaza ceasefire took effect.

Separately, Israel approved a budget exceeding 1 billion shekels (about $350 million) to fund the prosecution of Hamas Nukhba fighters involved in the October 7 attacks. The plan, endorsed by Defense Minister Yisrael Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, will finance a dedicated courthouse, prosecution offices, personnel recruitment, and operational costs through 2029, aiming to bring all perpetrators to trial.