Military Investigations in Gaza

On Wednesday, Israel’s military announced its first criminal investigations into troop conduct in Gaza. These investigations focus on the killings of 5-year-old Hind Rajab and her family, as well as 15 Palestinian paramedics. However, the military decided against probing three other attacks that killed aid workers from World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders. Reviews of 150 incidents of troop conduct have been completed, and decisions have been made on five cases.

International Reaction and Accusations

Chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, strongly condemned the military’s decision on social media as “wrong and painful.” The killings in question have sparked significant international outrage. Rights groups and U.N. commissions have accused Israel of committing genocide and various war crimes, including indiscriminate use of force and deliberate killings of civilians. Israel dismisses these accusations, claiming its actions target Hamas after the group’s attack on southern Israel in October 2023. Civilian casualties are attributed to Hamas operating in populated Gaza areas.

Incomplete Investigations

Wednesday’s statement omitted several notable killings that Israel promised to investigate, such as strikes on a hospital in southern Gaza that killed five journalists in August 2025. Among the victims was Mariam Dagga, a visual journalist working with The Associated Press. Hind Rajab, the 5-year-old victim, was trapped in a vehicle with her family. Pleading for help over the phone, her calls ended abruptly with gunfire.

Her grandmother, sharing the same name, expressed disappointment over the investigation’s scope. She advocates for an international investigation to ensure accountability, emphasizing justice for all Gaza children.

Paramedics Targeted

The incident involving the paramedics occurred when Israeli troops fired on an ambulance en route to retrieve casualties in Rafah. Subsequently, troops fired on other emergency vehicles attempting to locate the first one. Evidence, including phone footage and accounts from the sole shooting survivor, revealed emergency lights flashing and logos visible on the vehicles. The military’s initial justification centered on “suspicious movement,” but it later revised its stance upon reviewing the footage. A deputy commander faced demotion.

World Central Kitchen Strike

Regarding April 2024 airstrikes on World Central Kitchen, the military chose not to pursue a criminal investigation. Seven staffers died in the convoy, which had coordinated with the military. Vehicles bore logos visible from the air, contradicting claims that those inside were mistaken for Hamas operatives. World Central Kitchen labeled the military’s account as inaccurate and demanded an independent investigation. Australia’s foreign minister Penny Wong expressed outrage at officer reprimands, urging deeper inquiry over the loss of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom.

Doctors Without Borders Incident

Criminal action will not be pursued for the deaths of four Doctors Without Borders staffers, occurring in two separate incidents in late 2023 and early 2024.

Future Proceedings and Prosecution Rates

Military investigators will present their findings to prosecutors. Decisions are pending on proceeding with further investigations, indictments, or opting against charges. Tal Steiner, head of rights group HaMoked, noted indictments and convictions among Israeli soldiers are infrequent. An analysis indicates only 0.17% of military investigations from Gaza operations (2014-2022) resulted in prosecution.

Ongoing Conflict

The conflict began with Hamas-led militants attacking southern Israel on October 7, 2023, leading to 1,200 fatalities, predominantly civilians, and 251 abductions. Despite a ceasefire agreement, Israeli strikes in Gaza have resulted in 1,270 deaths, as reported by the Health Ministry. Women and children make up approximately half of the casualties.