Israel opens criminal investigation into killing of Hind Rajab in Gaza

Israel's military has announced that it will open a criminal investigation into the killing of Hind Rajab, the five-year-old Palestinian girl who died in Gaza during the war. The decision follows a review of incidents involving the conduct of troops and decision-making in several cases. It also comes after the case drew wide international attention because of the emergency call made from the vehicle in which she was travelling.

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According to the military statement, the review covered 150 incidents and led to decisions on five cases. The announcement did not provide further detail on the scope of the criminal inquiry or identify any individuals who may be examined. It also did not mention other high-profile deaths that the military had previously said it would investigate.

The case dates back to January 2024, when Hind was killed in Gaza City while trying to flee with relatives during an Israeli offensive. The vehicle carrying her, four cousins and two uncles was hit by gunfire, according to the account in the supplied material. A cousin, 15-year-old Layan Hamada, called the Palestinian Red Crescent and said a tank was approaching and that her family had been killed.

Seconds later, more shots were heard and the call ended. Hind was the only survivor in the car at that point, and the Red Crescent remained in contact with her while seeking permission from the military to reach her. Contact was later lost, and Hind, her five relatives and two paramedics were found dead 12 days later.

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The case became one of the most closely watched episodes of the Gaza war because of the recorded distress call and the deaths linked to the attempted rescue. The new investigation is significant because it places one of the war's most widely discussed civilian deaths under formal criminal scrutiny. It also reflects continuing pressure on Israel to examine incidents involving civilians and emergency responders in Gaza.

The review mentioned in the statement also covered the deaths of 15 Palestinian rescuers in a separate incident in Rafah, which had also drawn international concern. What remains unclear is the exact timing of the criminal investigation, who will lead it, and whether it could result in charges. The military statement did not say when findings might be published.

It also left open whether other major incidents from the war will be included in further inquiries, making the next official update important for both legal and humanitarian scrutiny.

#Israel #Gaza #HindRajab #criminalinvestigation #PalestinianRedCrescent

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