The Israeli military has admitted to opening fire on a car where five-year-old Hind Rajab was sheltering in terror after her entire family was gunned down, according to a statement released today. The IDF said its troops fired at a vehicle that was approaching them, contradicting earlier claims that its forces were not present near the vehicle. A criminal investigation has been launched into the incident.
Background of the Incident
Hind and her family had just left their home in Gaza City on January 28, 2024, after seeing a post from the Israeli Defence Forces asking residents in the west of Gaza City to evacuate. Along with her four cousins, aunt and uncle, the group packed into the car and began driving towards their family in northern Gaza City, rather than staying in the Tel al-Hawa neighbourhood. They did not make it.
Their bullet-ridden bodies were found after Hind bravely called for help, hiding amongst her family members before ultimately being shot as well. The IDF previously claimed its forces 'were not present near the vehicle or within the firing range of the described vehicle', and said the incident had been passed on for investigation. They have since admitted they lied.
How the Attack Unfolded
Around 2:30pm that day, emergency dispatcher Omar al-Qam managed to reach Layan, Hind's cousin, who was in the car with her. 'They're firing at us. The tank is next to me!' she said. 'Are you all hiding?' Omar asked. 'Yes, in the car,' Layan said, with more urgency. 'The tank is next to us.' Omar asked the teenager another question before the sound of rapid gunfire, and a scream was heard. The call ended.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society immediately called back after the phone call with Layan was cut by rapid gunfire. A little voice picked up on the other end – it was Hind. She was still alive, hiding in a car with the bodies of her family. 'The tank is next to me,' she said. A female operator asked her: 'Is it moving, or is it stopped? Did anyone come out of it?' Hind paused, before replying: 'It's moving from the front of the car.' 'Is it close?' the operator asked. 'Very, very close,' Hind replied.
Rescue Attempt and Aftermath
Two hours later, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society managed to liaise with an arm of the IDF called COGAT that coordinates safe passage for ambulances in Palestine. They were sent a map from COGAT detailing a safe passageway to where Hind was hiding in the car, and paramedics Yousef Zeino and Ahmed al-Madhoun left al-Ahli Hospital to make the two-mile journey to find the little girl. With the lights of their ambulance flashing clearly, they began driving down Al Majdal Street, where Hind's family car was sitting.
Yousef was on a call when it dropped after an explosion was heard – the sound was also heard on the call with Hind, who urged the Red Crescent to get her quickly. Little Hind was found dead among her relatives when emergency services were able to reach the scene 12 days later.
Today, the IDF said: 'The findings of the examination indicate that IDF troops fired at a vehicle that was approaching them.' A criminal investigation has been launched. The Palestinian Red Crescent's spokesperson, Nebal Farsakh, told Metro in 2024: '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.'
