Israel’s Military Investigates Gaza Troop Conduct Amid International Outcry
In Gaza City, Hind Rajab posed with a photograph of her granddaughter, Hind Rajab, who was tragically killed alongside her family in February 2024. This event has prompted the Israeli military to launch its first criminal investigations into troop conduct in Gaza. The focus is on the killings of Hind Rajab and her relatives, along with the deaths of 15 Palestinian paramedics.
The military has stated it will not investigate three other attacks responsible for killing aid workers from World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders. Reviews of 150 incidents of troop conduct in Gaza have been completed, resulting in decisions on five cases. Chef José Andrés, founder of U.S.-based World Central Kitchen, criticized the decision, describing it as “wrong and painful.”
Hind, trapped in a vehicle with her deceased kin, sought help by phone before being killed. After 15 medics were shot in March 2025, their bodies were bulldozed into a mass grave. Over 73,000 people, including numerous women and children, have been killed in Gaza according to the territory’s Health Ministry.
Accusations of genocide and war crimes have surfaced from rights groups and U.N. commissions. They spotlight the use of indiscriminate force and deliberate civilian killings. Israel refutes these claims, arguing that its justice system can address any troop violations. However, rights groups argue soldiers are rarely held accountable.
A statement did not mention further high-profile killings Israel had pledged to investigate, such as strikes on a hospital in southern Gaza that killed five journalists, including freelancer Mariam Dagga. Hind’s grandmother, calling for an international investigation, stressed “justice not only for Hind, but for all Gaza children.”
“An international investigation is required to uncover the truth and hold all those responsible accountable,” said Hind Rajab’s grandmother.
The military admitted to firing upon the vehicle carrying the 5-year-old and her family as they escaped an Israeli invasion of Gaza City. Tragically, more gunfire followed, ending the life of Hind and her five relatives alongside two medics from an ambulance intended to rescue her.
Dyab Abou Jahjah from the Hind Rajab foundation critiqued the military investigations as superficial efforts to clear those involved. The Palestinian Red Crescent, represented by Raed al-Nims, echoed calls for an international probe.
The docudrama “The Voice of Hind Rajab,” based on these events, gained international recognition and an Oscar nomination. Across the globe, support for Hind’s memory persists, including a massive portrait display in Spain.
Regarding the killings of 15 paramedics, Israeli troops targeted emergency vehicles, leading to a mass grave for the deceased. Initially claiming the vehicles advanced suspiciously, the military recanted this statement after footage revealed the vehicles with visible emergency signals. Disciplinary actions involved only a deputy commander stepping down.
“We shouldn’t have reached this point if they respected and followed international humanitarian law,” said Eid Azizi from the Palestinian Red Crescent.
The military has also refrained from criminally probing the World Central Kitchen strike, which destroyed a food convoy in April 2024. The organization contends that the military’s narrative misrepresents the facts and calls for independent investigation.
Foreign interference continues, as Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong condemned the handling of the case involving Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom. The military also decided against criminal actions over the deaths of four Doctors Without Borders staffers.
Military investigators assigned to these cases must now present findings to prosecutors. A lengthy process may ensue. Convictions are exceedingly uncommon, with only 0.17% of military investigations resulting in prosecution between 2014 and 2022, per rights group Yesh Din.
The conflict’s toll remains heavy. Hamas-led militants initiated war on Oct. 7, 2023, with continued Israeli strikes since a ceasefire. According to the Health Ministry, at least 1,270 individuals have been killed, about half of whom are women and children.