Israel admits killing 5-year-old Hind Rajab and six relatives in Gaza

September 30, 2026 at 11:41 AM2 min

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Israel has acknowledged that its forces killed five-year-old Hind Rajab, six of her relatives, and two Palestinian Red Crescent medics in Gaza in January 2024. The admission comes after months of official denial and has prompted an investigation. Human rights groups expect the probe to end without accountability.

Key Facts

On January 29, 2024, Israeli forces fired on a Kia carrying Hind Rajab and six relatives in the Tel al-Hawa district of Gaza, killing the girl's aunt, uncle, and three cousins.
Hind Rajab, 5, and her 15-year-old cousin Hamada were wounded in the attack; Hamada was shot dead while on the phone with the Palestinian Red Crescent.
Two Palestinian Red Crescent medics sent to rescue Hind Rajab were also killed, and the organization holds Israel responsible for their deaths.
Israel initially denied involvement but has now admitted the killings and opened an investigation.
Human rights advocates expect the investigation to produce no results and for the perpetrators to go unpunished.

The Attack

On January 29, 2024, Hind Rajab and six relatives attempted to flee Gaza City's Tel al-Hawa district in a Kia as Israeli forces shelled the area. An Israeli tank fired a shell at the vehicle, killing Hind's aunt, uncle, and three cousins. Hind, 5, and her 15-year-old cousin Hamada survived the initial strike with injuries. Hamada called the Palestinian Red Crescent for help, saying, "There is a tank in front of us, they are shooting at us, we are in a car. Our relatives have been killed." An Israeli soldier shot Hamada dead during the call, and Hind took the phone, with dispatchers telling her to stay on the line and that help was coming.

The Rescue Attempt

The Palestinian Red Crescent dispatched an ambulance to the scene, but the two medics were killed before reaching Hind. The organization holds Israel responsible for the deaths of its personnel. Hind Rajab's body was later found in the car, and the incident drew international condemnation.

Israel's Admission

Israel initially denied any involvement in the killings, but has now acknowledged responsibility and opened an investigation. The admission came after months of official denial and amid global scrutiny of Israel's conduct in Gaza. Human rights advocates expect the investigation to be inconclusive and the perpetrators to escape punishment.