Israeli army opens criminal probe into killing of five-year-old Hind Rajab in Gaza
The IDF has ordered a criminal investigation into the January 2024 killing of Palestinian girl Hind Rajab and her family in Gaza, marking the first time it has acknowledged its forces fired on the vehicle.
Israel's military has ordered a criminal investigation into the death of five-year-old Hind Rajab, whose case drew worldwide condemnation in 2024 after a recording of her desperate call to Palestinian Red Crescent paramedics was broadcast internationally.
Hind was one of seven family members riding in a car that came under Israeli fire in Gaza City in January 2024 as they tried to flee bombing. Several relatives were killed instantly, but Hind survived and remained on the phone with Red Crescent dispatchers for hours, pleading for rescue. The call ended abruptly amid the sound of further gunfire.
An ambulance later dispatched to reach her was also struck. Days afterward, the bodies of Hind, her relatives, and the two paramedics who had tried to save her were found together.
First admission that troops fired on the vehicle
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces said the decision to open the investigation, to be carried out by the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division, followed "a review of the findings" and concerned "alleged failures in the coordination of the movement of the Palestine Red Crescent ambulance". This marks the first time the IDF has acknowledged that its forces opened fire on the vehicle carrying Hind and her family. It had previously said an initial inquiry indicated no Israeli troops were present in the area at the time.
