Israel’s military announced it will conduct criminal investigations into two significant attacks on Palestinians in Gaza. These include the deaths of 6-year-old Hind Rajab and her family, as well as 15 Palestinian paramedics. This decision contrasts with other incidents where such investigations will not occur.
The statement revealed that reviews of 150 troop conduct incidents in Gaza had been completed, leading to decisions on five cases. Yet, notable cases like the Israeli strikes on a southern Gaza hospital, which killed five journalists, including Mariam Dagga, in August 2025, were not mentioned.
Hind Rajab’s Tragic Death
Hind Rajab died alongside her relatives while attempting to escape Gaza City during an Israeli offensive in February 2024. Israeli troops reportedly fired on a vehicle carrying Hind and several of her family members. Contacts with the Palestine Red Crescent noted a tank was approaching, but later communication was lost. Rescuers discovered the victims, including Hind, her family, and two medics, dead 12 days later.
The Killing of 15 Palestinian Paramedics
In May 2025, 15 paramedics were killed as Israeli forces opened fire on ambulances in Rafah. Video footage showed troops shooting at emergency vehicles, which drove with visible lights and logos. The bodies and vehicles were bulldozed and buried in a mass grave, accessible only a week later by U.N. workers.
The Israeli military initially justified the attack, claiming the vehicles were advancing suspiciously without identifying signals. However, video evidence and survivor accounts contradicted this, showing proper emergency signals were used.
“We are not obligated to prove the truth because it is already proven to the whole world,” said Eid Azizi, a spokesperson for the Palestinian Red Crescent. “International humanitarian law should have been respected.”
Background of the Conflict
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, following an attack by Hamas-led militants that killed 1,200 people in southern Israel. In response, Israel waged war against Hamas in Gaza, resulting in over 73,000 deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. This figure includes 1,273 deaths since a ceasefire began in October. The ministry’s figures are considered reliable by U.N. agencies and experts, indicating women and children comprise about half of the casualties.