Jerusalem – On Wednesday Israel’s Defense Forces said it will open internal criminal investigations into two separate incidents involving the deaths of Palestinians. The first case concerns the January 2024 killing of 13‑year‑old Hind Rajab, a Palestinian girl. The second involves the March 2025 deaths of fifteen emergency and aid workers who were responding to the conflict in Gaza.
Investigations follow internal reviews
The military said the decision to investigate came after its Fact‑Finding and Assessment Mechanism examined five incidents in which Palestinians were killed. While the mechanism found no reasonable suspicion of criminal misconduct in the April 2024 killing of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers, it determined that the two newer cases merit further criminal inquiry.
Details of the incidents
Hind Rajab was shot during an Israeli military operation in the West Bank in January 2024. The circumstances of her death have been the subject of ongoing controversy and calls for accountability from Palestinian families and human‑rights groups.
The March 2025 incident involved a convoy of emergency responders and humanitarian volunteers who were providing assistance in Gaza when they were struck. Fifteen workers, including medics and members of aid organizations, were killed.
Military response
Israel’s military spokesperson emphasized that the investigations will be conducted by internal prosecutors and will follow standard legal procedures. The spokesperson added that the aim is to determine whether any soldiers violated the law or military regulations.
In a separate statement, the military reiterated that it found “no reasonable suspicion of criminal misconduct” in the April 2024 attack on World Central Kitchen staff, which resulted in the deaths of seven aid workers.
International reaction
The announcements come amid heightened international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in the occupied territories. Human‑rights organizations have repeatedly called for independent investigations into civilian casualties, arguing that accountability is essential for upholding the rule of law and protecting innocent lives.
Israel’s decision to open internal probes is being watched closely by both domestic and foreign observers, who say the outcome will have implications for the broader conflict and for Israel’s standing in the international community.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
