The Israeli regime's military has ordered a criminal investigation into the killing of five-year-old Hind Rajab in Gaza, a case that drew global condemnation after a harrowing audio recording of the girl pleading for help was broadcast worldwide.

The Palestinian child was among seven family members traveling in a vehicle that came under Israeli fire in Gaza City in January 2024. She initially survived the attack that killed several relatives, but her body was recovered days later along with her family members and two paramedics who had tried to save her in an ambulance.

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

This marks the first time the Israeli regime has admitted opening fire on the vehicle carrying Hind and her family. Previously, the IDF had claimed that its initial investigation suggested no Israeli troops were in the area at the time of the incident.

Hind's car was hit by Israeli fire as she and her family tried to flee bombing during the war in Gaza. Several family members were killed, but Hind managed to answer a callback from helpers at the Palestine Red Crescent Society, which lasted hours. Her pleas for someone to rescue her ended when the phone line was cut amid the sound of more gunfire.

The ambulance trying to reach her was also shelled, and the bodies of Hind, her family, and the ambulance crew were all later found. The case has become a symbol of the suffering of civilians, especially children, in the ongoing conflict.

Human rights groups have expressed skepticism about the Israeli regime's willingness to conduct a fair investigation, pointing to a pattern of impunity for its forces. The international community continues to call for accountability and an end to the violence in Gaza.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk