The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have formally opened a criminal investigation into the death of Hind Rajab, a six‑year‑old Palestinian who was killed in Gaza when the Israeli army fired on a vehicle carrying her and other family members.
The incident, which took place in Gaza City in January 2024, captured global attention after a video of Rajab speaking to ambulance workers surfaced, sparking condemnation worldwide. The IDF said the tragedy stemmed from alleged failures in coordinating the movement of the Palestine Red Crescent ambulance that was attempting to rescue the child.
A statement from the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division confirmed that the IDF has admitted that its troops opened fire on the convoy—a first admission of the Israeli army. Earlier statements had claimed no Israeli soldiers were present in the area at that time.
The family vehicle was left partially intact after the initial strike, but the blast ultimately claimed Rajab’s life. Two paramedics who had tried to save her in the ambulance were also recovered with her body days after the incident.
The investigation will review the circumstances surrounding the fire, the allied coordination protocols, and the safety of humanitarian aid operations in conflict zones. The broader Gaza conflict continues to raise questions about civilian protection and the application of international humanitarian law.
