Israel confirms soldiers fired at car in which Hind Rajab was killed and opens criminal investigation

The Israeli military has confirmed for the first time that it opened fire on a car carrying five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab, who was killed along with six relatives in Gaza in 2024. Rajab initially survived the attack and answered a telephone call during which she pleaded for help. The call lasted hours. An ambulance sent to reach her – in a move co-ordinated with the Israeli army - was then shelled, killing two paramedics. Hind's body was recovered days later, along with the others killed.

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Scoop News DeskIsrael · Published Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 4:17 AM UTCUpdated Friday, August 21, 2026 at 1:57 AM UTC

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In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it would open a criminal investigation into Hind, her family and the paramedics' killings, as well as the killing of 15 Palestinians, including medics and a UN worker, in March 2025. 'Will you come and get me?' Gaza girl's desperate plea before losing contact Families' agonising search for answers as thousands still missing in Gaza Film about Gaza child's killing gets record ovation at Venice Both incidents drew international condemnation. 1 dead — World Central Kitchen

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