The Israeli military will launch criminal investigations into the deaths of five-year-old Hind Rajab and 15 Palestinian paramedics following internal reviews.
Key facts
- •The Israeli military confirmed its troops fired on the car carrying Hind Rajab.
- •The military's Military Police Criminal Investigation Division will lead the probe into the Rajab and paramedic cases.
- •The IDF previously stated it was not in the area during the Rajab incident before later confirming it was conducting raids in Tel al-Hawa.
- •The military reviewed 150 total incidents, reaching decisions in five cases.
- •Criminal investigations will not be pursued for incidents involving World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders staff.
The Israeli military announced it is opening criminal investigations into two high-profile incidents in Gaza, including the 2024 killing of five-year-old Hind Rajab and her family, as well as the 2025 death of 15 Palestinian paramedics. The military confirmed for the first time that its troops fired on the vehicle carrying Rajab. The decision follows internal reviews of 150 incidents involving the conduct of Israeli forces during the war in Gaza.
Details of the Rajab Incident
In February 2024, Hind Rajab was traveling with six relatives in Gaza City when Israeli troops opened fire on their vehicle. The military stated that its troops fired on the car because it was traveling contrary to previously published movement notices. Initially, the military suggested no troops were in the area, but later acknowledged conducting raids in the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood where the incident occurred. Rajab survived the initial attack and remained in contact with the Palestinian Red Crescent for hours, pleading for rescue. An ambulance sent to reach her, which had been coordinated with the Israeli military, was later shelled, killing two paramedics. Rajab and the others were found dead 12 days after the initial encounter.
Investigation Into Paramedic Deaths
The military also initiated a criminal investigation into the killing of 15 Palestinian medics in Rafah in May 2025. These individuals were killed while responding to casualties and searching for a missing ambulance. While the military initially claimed the vehicles were moving suspiciously without signals, it later revised its account after footage showed the emergency vehicles had flashing lights and clear markings. Despite these investigations, the military stated it would not pursue criminal cases regarding incidents involving aid workers from World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders. It also did not address several other high-profile killings, including an August 2025 strike on a hospital that killed five journalists.
Timeline
- February 2024Hind Rajab and her family were killed in Gaza City after Israeli troops fired on their vehicle.
- May 202515 Palestinian paramedics were killed in Rafah while responding to emergency calls.
- August 2025An Israeli strike on a hospital in southern Gaza killed five journalists.
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