Israeli military launches criminal probes into killings of Hind Rajab and Palestinian paramedics

Israel's military announced Wednesday it has opened its first criminal investigations into troop conduct during the ongoing war in Gaza. The probes will focus on two particularly contentious incidents: the killings of 5-year-old Hind Rajab and her relatives, and the deaths of 15 Palestinian paramedics. This marks a significant step in addressing international scrutiny over alleged misconduct by Israeli forces.

The military stated it has reviewed 150 cases of alleged troop misconduct in Gaza and has decided to pursue criminal investigations in five of them. However, it confirmed that criminal probes would not be launched into three other attacks that resulted in the deaths of aid workers from World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders. The military's statement, released nearly three years into the war, did not address numerous other high-profile killings that Israel had previously pledged to investigate.

The killing of Hind Rajab, who was trapped in a vehicle and pleaded for help by phone in February 2024, drew widespread international outcry. Independent UN experts suggested her death might constitute a war crime, and rights groups have filed complaints with the International Criminal Court. Rajab's grandmother, also named Hind Rajab, told The Associated Press that the Israeli investigation is insufficient and called for an international probe to uncover the truth and ensure accountability for all children killed in Gaza.

The military admitted that its forces fired at the car carrying Rajab, her aunt, uncle, and four cousins as they fled an Israeli invasion. A recording from the Palestinian Red Crescent captured the final moments, including the voice of Rajab's 15-year-old cousin, Layan Hamada, reporting a tank approaching and her family being killed before screams were heard. Palestinian paramedics dispatched to rescue Rajab, the sole survivor, were also fired upon by troops, resulting in the deaths of two medics. Rajab, her five relatives, and the two medics were found dead 12 days later.

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An international investigation is required to uncover the truth and hold all those responsible accountable. We call for justice, not only for Hind, but for all Gaza children.