Israel military to probe killings of Hind Rajab and paramedics

The Israeli military announced on Wednesday that it is launching criminal investigations into two high-profile attacks on Palestinians during the war in Gaza. These incidents include the deaths of five-year-old Hind Rajab and her family members, as well as the killing of 15 Palestinian paramedics.

Regarding the death of Hind Rajab, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) admitted for the first time that they opened fire on the vehicle in which she was traveling. This marks a reversal from previous claims that troops were not in the vicinity or within range of the vehicle. Rajab was the sole survivor of an initial attack on her family's car in early 2024; she remained on the phone with paramedics for hours before contact was lost. Her body and those of her relatives were discovered 12 days later.

The military also confirmed an investigation into the deaths of 15 paramedics who were killed when troops opened fire on their vehicles in Rafah.

Following a review of 150 incidents of troop conduct in Gaza, the military decided to pursue five specific cases. However, the IDF stated it will not launch criminal investigations into three other incidents that resulted in the deaths of aid workers from World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders.