Israeli army orders criminal investigation into killing of Palestinian girl Hind Rajab in Gaza

The Israeli army has launched a criminal investigation into the killing of five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab in Gaza. The incident occurred in January 2024 when Hind and her family, along with seven other family members, were traveling in a vehicle that came under fire from Israeli forces in Gaza City. The international outcry following a recording of Hind speaking to paramedics led to the IDF's decision to initiate the investigation.

The Israel Defense Forces acknowledged for the first time that they opened fire on the vehicle, contradicting their initial statement that no Israeli troops were in the area at the time. Hind survived the initial attack but succumbed to her injuries days later, along with several other family members and two paramedics who had tried to rescue her.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society's ambulance, which had been called to assist Hind, was also targeted by Israeli fire, further complicating the tragedy.