On 19/8, the Israeli military announced its decision to open an investigation into the killing of 5-year-old Hind Rajab's family by soldiers in 2/2024. The probe will also cover a shooting incident in 3/2025 that resulted in the deaths of 15 Palestinian medical workers.

Hind Rajab's grandmother holds a phone displaying her granddaughter's photo at her home in Gaza City, 19/8. Photo: AP

According to preliminary findings, the Israeli military admitted its soldiers fired upon a vehicle carrying Hind Rajab, her cousins, and her aunt and uncle as they were evacuating Gaza City.

Hind's aunt, uncle, and three other relatives died instantly. Her 15-year-old cousin, Layan Hamada, managed to call the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) for help.

Seconds later, more gunfire erupted, and Layan's cries ceased, according to the PRCS call recording. Rescue workers, still on the phone, heard Hind's crying from inside the vehicle and dispatched a team to rescue her.

12 days later, the PRCS found the bodies of Hind, five family members, and two medical workers. The Israeli military stated its soldiers had fired at the ambulance, killing the two PRCS personnel.

In the second incident in Rafah, Israeli soldiers opened fire on an ambulance convoy en route to assist victims, killing 15 medical and rescue workers. They then used a bulldozer to bury the bodies and vehicles in a mass grave.

The Israeli military initially claimed the convoy appeared suspicious. However, it later dismissed a deputy commander after video evidence from the scene showed the ambulances moving slowly, with emergency lights flashing and clear logos visible.

"An international investigation is needed to uncover the truth and hold all those responsible accountable," Hind's grandmother said. "We demand justice, not just for Hind, but for all children in Gaza."

A vehicle hit by an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis, Gaza, on 30/11/2024, killing five people. Photo: AFP

The PRCS also called for an international investigation, according to Raed al-Nims, the organization's spokesperson in Gaza. "Israel's investigative measures are insufficient," he stated.

A documentary about Hind's death, titled "The Voice of Hind Rajab," has won several international awards and was nominated for an Oscar.

Tal Steiner, head of the Israeli human rights organization HaMoked, noted that the Israeli military's investigation process would be lengthy.

"It is rare for Israeli soldiers accused of killing Palestinians to face trial, and severe sentences are even rarer," she said.

She highlighted that only one soldier has been imprisoned since 7/10/2023 for alleged abuse of Palestinian prisoners. That soldier received a 7-month sentence as part of a plea deal in 6/2025.

The funeral of eight Palestinian Red Crescent Society workers killed in an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis on 31/3/2025. Photo: AFP

The conflict in Gaza began on 7/10/2023, when Hamas militants crossed into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 hostages back to the Gaza Strip.

Israel then launched a retaliatory operation, which has resulted in at least 73,400 deaths in Gaza, according to local health authorities. Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement in 10/2025.

By Hong Hanh (According to AP, NPR)