Israel has acknowledged firing on a car carrying Hind Rajab, a five-year-old girl considered a symbol of suffering in Gaza, following a criminal investigation launched following journalistic investigations by Al Jazeera. At first, Israel denied involvement in the incident, initially stating it had raided ‘terror targets’ in Gaza City on January 29, 2024. This investigation, which began in January of this year, was initially reviewed by the military, which stated it was determined following a review of findings and due to alleged failures in coordination of the movement of the Palestine Red Crescent ambulance. On January 29, 2024, at approximately 7:30 PM, Rajab died of her injuries while her family was forcibly displaced from Gaza City, having been ordered to leave. The family attempted to follow Israeli orders to leave, but the military’s firing of more than 300 bullets at the black Kia driven by Rajab’s uncle, a crucial part of the incident, triggered the fatal shots. Palestinian Red Crescent workers attempted to save Rajab, but were blocked by Israeli forces, with paramedics arriving on the line until contact was lost. The military stated that troops had ‘fired at a vehicle that was approaching them’. This marks the first time Israel has admitted shooting at a vehicle, a significant development in the ongoing investigation into Israeli military misconduct. However, criminal investigations into Israeli troops’ conduct in Gaza, including the killing of Palestinian medics in March 2025, rarely lead to convictions. Rajab’s grandmother, Hind Rajab, told The Associated Press news agency by phone that the Israeli investigation is insufficient, and she called for an international probe into the killing of her granddaughter and all of the thousands of children killed in Gaza during the war. ‘An international investigation is required to uncover the truth and hold all those responsible accountable,’ she stated. ‘We call for justice, not only for Hind, but for all Gaza children.’ Israel’s military announced its first criminal probes of troop conduct in Gaza, stating the case of Rajab and her family members would be reviewed, as well as the killing of 15 Palestinian medics in March 2025. The announcement followed reviews of 150 incidents of troop conduct during Israel’s war on Gaza, and added that the military would not launch criminal investigations into three other attacks that killed aid workers from World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders. Rajab’s last words, her recorded pleas for help by phone, were widely shared on social media and led to international condemnation. A 2024 Al Jazeera investigation into the killing of Rajab and her family revealed that an Israeli tank was likely 13 to 23 meters (43 to 75ft) away and would have clearly seen the civilians inside the car. A docu-drama on the killing of Hind Rajab was nominated at the 2026 Oscars for Best International Feature Film. Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud, reporting in Gaza, said, “People here are skeptical that the investigation will bring any justice to Hind and her family.” The incident has intensified international calls for accountability and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Rajab’s death.”
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Source: Al Jazeera
