In the early hours of January 29, 2024, the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood of Southern Gaza was shrouded in an uneasy silence. Families, gripped by fear, hastily gathered their belongings, heeding evacuation orders as Israeli military operations intensified. Among them was the Hamada family, with six-year-old Hind Rajab clutching her mother Wissam’s hand, her wide eyes reflecting confusion and fear.

In the early hours of January 29, 2024, the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood in Gaza City was enveloped in a tense silence. Residents, including six-year-old Hind Rajab and her family, were abruptly awakened by evacuation orders issued by the Israeli military, instructing all civilians to leave the area immediately. The Hamada family, with whom Hind was staying, hastily gathered their belongings, hoping to find safety away from the impending conflict. Unbeknownst to them, the path to safety was fraught with unforeseen dangers.

The decision was made for Hind to accompany her great-uncle, Bashar Hamada, and his family in their black Kia Picanto, believing the vehicle would offer a quicker escape. As they navigated the debris-laden streets, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Unbeknownst to them, Israeli tanks had established positions nearby, their operators vigilantly monitoring the area.

Suddenly, the sharp retort of gunfire shattered the air. An Israeli tank, stationed a mere 13 to 23 meters away, unleashed a barrage of bullets upon the Picanto. The proximity was such that the tank operators could clearly discern the vehicle’s occupants, including the small figures of children. Despite this, the assault was relentless, with approximately 335 rounds fired into the car, transforming it into a twisted, bullet-riddled shell. Bashar, his wife Ana’am, and three of their children perished instantly. Layan, 15, and young Hind survived the initial onslaught, their bodies shielded by the remains of their loved ones.

In the deafening aftermath, Layan, her voice trembling, managed to contact the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS). “They’re shooting at us,” she whispered, her breath ragged. “The tank is right next to me. We’re in the car; the tank is right beside us.” Her pleas were abruptly silenced as another volley of gunfire erupted, ending her life. The line went dead, leaving PRCS operators in stunned horror.

Desperate to re-establish contact, the operators called back. This time, it was Hind’s faint voice that answered. “I’m so scared,” she whimpered. “Please come. Come take me. Please, will you come?” For over three agonizing hours, they remained on the line, offering what little comfort they could, while coordinating a rescue mission.

Securing safe passage for the ambulance was a Herculean task. Negotiations with the Israeli military dragged on, time stretching unbearably as Hind’s voice grew weaker. Finally, clearance was granted. Paramedics Yusuf al-Zeino and Ahmed al-Madhoun, driven by duty and compassion, embarked on the perilous mission. As they neared the designated location, hope turned to horror. An Israeli tank, the same that had decimated the Picanto, targeted the clearly marked ambulance. A shell struck with devastating precision, obliterating the vehicle and claiming the lives of both paramedics. Communication with Hind ceased, a chilling silence descending.

For twelve harrowing days, uncertainty loomed. The Israeli military, when questioned, denied any presence in the area during the incident, casting a shroud of ambiguity over the events. However, investigations by Forensic Architecture and corroborated by satellite imagery revealed the stark truth: Israeli armored units were indeed present, their actions deliberate and devastating. The tank operators, with clear visual confirmation of the car’s civilian occupants, including children, chose to engage. The subsequent attack on the ambulance, a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, further underscored the calculated nature of the assault.

On February 10, following the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the grim reality was unveiled. The remains of Hind, her family, and the valiant paramedics were recovered, their lives extinguished in a maelstrom of violence. The incident drew international condemnation, with United Nations experts asserting that the killings might constitute war crimes. The establishment of the Hind Rajab Foundation stands as a testament to the pursuit of justice, ensuring that the voices of the innocent are neither silenced nor forgotten.

The tragic death of Hind Rajab and her family is not an isolated incident but rather exemplifies a broader pattern of civilian targeting by the Israeli Defence Force. International humanitarian law unequivocally prohibits deliberate attacks on civilians, mandating that all parties distinguish between combatants and non-combatants to safeguard innocent lives. Despite these legal frameworks, reports have documented instances where Israeli military operations have resulted in civilian casualties, demonstrating the lack of principles of distinction and proportionality. Such actions not only contravene established legal norms but also underscore the urgent need for accountability and the protection of civilians in Faaza.

Hind’s story, a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict, resonates as a call for accountability and the protection of civilians in war-torn regions. It underscores the imperative for adherence to international laws designed to safeguard the innocent, even amidst the chaos of war.

The tragic death of Hind Rajab and her family is not an isolated incident but rather exemplifies a broader pattern of civilian targeting in conflict zones. International humanitarian law unequivocally prohibits deliberate attacks on civilians, mandating that all parties distinguish between combatants and non-combatants to safeguard innocent lives. Despite these legal frameworks, reports have documented instances where military operations have resulted in civilian casualties, raising concerns about adherence to the principles of distinction and proportionality. Such actions not only contravene established legal norms but also underscore the urgent need for accountability and the protection of civilians in armed conflicts.