IDF Admits Firing on Car Carrying Five-Year-Old Hind Rajab and Family, Launches Criminal Investigation
GAZA CITY – The Israeli military has reversed its initial claims and admitted its forces fired upon a vehicle in January 2024, resulting in the deaths of five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab and her entire family. The admission comes after months of international outcry and detailed accounts from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) that documented the tragic events surrounding Hind’s final moments.
The incident unfolded on January 28, 2024, when Hind, her four cousins, aunt, and uncle attempted to evacuate their home in Tel al-Hawa, western Gaza City. They had heeded a directive from the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) instructing residents to leave the area. The family packed into a car, intending to seek refuge with relatives in northern Gaza City.
Tragically, their journey was cut short. The vehicle, riddled with bullets, was discovered days later. Inside, the bodies of Hind’s family members were found, and eventually, Hind herself. The IDF had initially denied any involvement, stating their forces "were not present near the vehicle or within the firing range of the described vehicle." However, this narrative has now been directly contradicted by the IDF’s latest statement.
"The findings of the examination indicate that IDF troops fired at a vehicle that was approaching them," an IDF spokesperson confirmed today. A criminal investigation into the incident has since been launched.
A Call for Help: The Tragic Unfolding
The chilling details of the event began to emerge through a phone call. Around 2:30 PM on January 28, emergency dispatcher Omar al-Qam received a call from Layan, Hind’s cousin, who was also in the car.
"They’re firing at us. The tank is next to me!" Layan frantically reported.
"Are you all hiding?" Omar asked.
"Yes, in the car," Layan replied with increasing urgency. "The tank is next to us."
The conversation abruptly ended with the sound of rapid gunfire and a scream. The call was cut.
Upon redialing, the PRCS dispatcher heard a small voice on the other end – it was Hind. Alone and terrified, she was hiding amidst the bodies of her deceased family members.
"The tank is next to me," Hind whispered.
A female operator attempted to ascertain her situation: "Is it moving, or is it stopped? Did anyone come out of it?"
Hind paused, then responded, "It’s moving from the front of the car."
"Is it close?" the operator pressed.
"Very, very close," Hind confirmed.
For two harrowing hours, Hind remained on the phone with PRCS operators. The organization managed to coordinate a safe passage with COGAT, the Israeli military unit responsible for coordinating humanitarian efforts in Palestinian territories. A map detailing a secure route to Hind’s location was provided.
Paramedics Yousef Zeino and Ahmed al-Madhoun bravely embarked on a two-mile journey from al-Ahli Hospital to rescue the five-year-old. Their ambulance, with its lights flashing, was en route down Al Majdal Street, where Hind’s family car was situated.
However, the rescue mission ended in further tragedy. During a call, Yousef was abruptly cut off after an explosion was heard. The same explosion was audible on the line with Hind, who had been urging the Red Crescent to reach her quickly.
When emergency services finally managed to reach the scene 12 days later, Hind was found dead alongside her relatives. The ambulance carrying Yousef and Ahmed was also discovered destroyed, with both paramedics killed.
Nebal Farsakh, spokesperson for the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, spoke to Metro in February 2024, expressing profound grief and outrage. "This is not at all an isolated incident. This little girl was six years old, trapped in a car while everyone inside the car was killed in front of her. She went through one of the most horrific events that most people couldn’t bear. If this happened in any other country or warzone, it would catch more attention. It should not be allowed to pass as nothing."
The IDF’s new admission marks a significant shift in its stance on the incident and underscores the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict on innocent civilians in Gaza. The launch of a criminal investigation is a crucial step towards accountability, though many questions remain regarding the circumstances that led to this tragic loss of life.
Israel’s military is now facing intense scrutiny as the international community watches closely for the outcome of the investigation and any measures taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
