Israel Military Opens Criminal Probes Into Hind Rajab, 15 Gaza Paramedic Killings

Israel’s military will open criminal investigations into two major Gaza incidents, including the killing of five year old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab and the deaths of 15 Palestinian paramedics, in a move that comes after intense international criticism.

The military said Wednesday that its Fact Finding and Assessment Mechanism had reviewed more than 150 incidents involving the conduct of Israeli troops during the Gaza war. Decisions were announced in five cases, with two leading to criminal probes, two resulting in disciplinary action and one case being closed.

The case involving Hind Rajab dates to January 29, 2024, when she and members of her family were killed in Gaza City. Hind had survived the initial attack on the family car and remained in contact with Palestinian Red Crescent rescuers while waiting for help. The Red Crescent later lost contact with her. Hind, relatives and two rescuers were found dead days later. The new criminal probe will also examine the handling of the rescue mission.

The second probe concerns the March 23, 2025 killing of 15 Palestinian emergency workers in Rafah. Israeli forces initially said the vehicles had moved suspiciously. Later evidence showed emergency vehicles with visible markings and lights. The military had earlier acknowledged mistakes in the incident. A brigade commander was censured and a deputy commander was removed from his post.

The military will not open criminal cases over the deaths of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers killed in April 2024. It also decided against criminal probes in two separate incidents involving Doctors Without Borders workers. One will face disciplinary action, while the other case was closed.

The military said it reviews exceptional incidents under Israeli law and international law. However, a criminal probe does not mean that charges will definitely follow.

The latest decisions come as Israel faces continued scrutiny over its conduct in Gaza and pressure over how it investigates alleged wrongdoing by its forces.