Israeli military opens criminal investigation into death of Hind Rajab

The Israeli army has ordered a criminal investigation into the killing in Gaza of six-year-old Hind Rajab, whose death was internationally condemned after a desperate recording of her speaking to paramedics was broadcast around the world.

The Palestinian child was one of seven family members travelling in a vehicle that came under Israeli fire in Gaza City in January 2024.

She initially survived the attack that killed several family members, but her body was recovered days later along with her relatives and two paramedics who had tried to save her in an ambulance.

In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that "following a review of the findings" and "due to alleged failures in the coordination of the movement of the Palestine Red Crescent ambulance, it has been decided to initiate a criminal investigation of the incident by Military Police Criminal Investigation Division".

This is the first time the IDF has admitted opening fire on the vehicle carrying Hind and her family.

Previously the IDF said its initial investigation suggested no Israeli troops had been in the area at the time of the incident.

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