First Criminal Investigations Announced
On Wednesday, Israel’s military revealed its first criminal investigations regarding troop actions in Gaza. These focus on the deaths of 5-year-old Hind Rajab and her family, as well as 15 Palestinian paramedics. The military will not investigate three other incidents involving aid workers from World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders. The military reviewed 150 incidents in Gaza and made decisions regarding five cases.
Chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, criticized the decision, calling it “wrong and painful.” These cases stirred international outrage. Hind Rajab was killed in a vehicle with her family, and 15 medics were shot and buried in a mass grave in March 2025.
Casualties and International Reactions
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 73,000 people have died in the conflict, including many women and children. Rights groups and U.N. commissions accuse Israeli forces of genocide and war crimes, citing indiscriminate force and civilian killings. Israel denies these charges, claiming it targets Hamas after their attack on southern Israel in October 2023.
While Israeli officials insist their justice system can address troop violations, rights groups argue soldiers rarely face consequences. High-profile cases, like a hospital strike killing journalists, remain under-scrutinized.
Calls for International Investigation
Hind’s grandmother expresses dissatisfaction with the investigation, urging an international probe for accountability. She and others demand justice for all children in Gaza. Israel’s military admitted firing at the car carrying Hind and her family during an invasion of Gaza City, resulting in their deaths and two medics from an ambulance that came to help.
Dyab Abou Jahjah from the Hind Rajab Foundation condemned the investigation as a “charade.” Raed al-Nims from the Red Crescent also insists on an international investigation. A film about Hind’s death has gained international acclaim and award nominations.
The Killing of Medics and Military’s Explanation
Additionally, 15 medics were killed while responding to casualties in Rafah. Phone footage and survivor testimonies contradict Israeli claims that the vehicles posed threats without signals. The military reversed its stance after footage showed emergency lights and logos. A deputy commander was directed to step down following the incident.
Eid Azizi from the Red Crescent emphasized the need for adherence to international humanitarian law, arguing that sufficient evidence already exists.
Investigations and Lack of Action
The military decided against probing an April 2024 strike on World Central Kitchen, which killed seven staffers. Although coordinated with the military, the group’s vehicles were destroyed. Israel claimed the occupants were mistaken for armed operatives. World Central Kitchen and Australia’s foreign minister criticized the lack of accountability, pressing for independent investigations.
Similarly, there will be no criminal action against troops responsible for killing Doctors Without Borders staff. Military investigations will continue, with findings presented to prosecutors. Tal Steiner from HaMoked notes that indictments and convictions for such cases are rare.
Continued Strife and Casualties
The ongoing conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants killed civilians and abducted others in Israel. Israeli strikes have persisted in Gaza through a ceasefire, resulting in at least 1,270 deaths. The Health Ministry provides casualty updates without distinguishing between civilians and militants, but estimates suggest women and children form about half of the fatalities.