264 Uzbek citizens fought in Gaza – media

More than 50,000 foreign nationals, including 264 Uzbek citizens, have taken part in the Israeli army’s war in the Gaza Strip and continue to serve in its ranks, according to an article published by Al Jazeera on 15 February.

According to the report, Uzbeks ranked 27th among citizens of 126 countries. These individuals also hold Israeli citizenship, and some reportedly possess multiple citizenships.

Foreign nationals participating in the military operations in Gaza are mainly citizens of the United States and European countries. It is reported that at least 12,135 US citizens are currently serving in the Israeli army. In addition, the military reportedly includes 6,127 French citizens, 5,067 Russians, 3,901 Germans, 3,210 Ukrainians, 1,686 British citizens and 1,675 Romanians.

Among Central Asian countries, the report notes that 192 citizens from Kazakhstan, 55 from Kyrgyzstan, 33 from Turkmenistan and eight from Tajikistan are serving in the Israeli army.

International human rights organisations have raised the issue of identifying foreign nationals who may be linked to potential war crimes in Gaza and bringing them to justice.

The Israeli army consists of approximately 169,000 active-duty personnel and 465,000 reservists, about 8 percent of whom hold two or more citizenships. Since the war began on 7 October 2023, at least 72,000 people have reportedly been killed in Gaza.

It is worth noting that under Uzbek law, citizens are prohibited from serving in the armed forces of foreign states. Under Article 154 of the Criminal Code (Mercenarism), recruitment to participate in military operations is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Article 154-1 (Service in the armed forces, security, police, military justice bodies or similar structures of foreign states) provides for up to five years’ imprisonment for serving in foreign military or similar structures.

Earlier, an Uzbek citizen who attempted to flee the war in Ukraine was sentenced in Russia to seven years and nine months in prison.