Criminal8/19/2026

Military Police Investigate Deaths of Hind Rajab and Medical Personnel in the Gaza Strip

Following a review of five incidents from the Gaza Strip war, the IDF ordered the opening of two Military Police investigations. They concern the death of the child Hind Rajab and an incident in which 15 Palestinians were killed, including medical personnel and a UN worker.

Key facts

•The decision was announced by the IDF on August 19, 2026
•Five incidents from the Gaza Strip war were reviewed
•Military Police investigations were opened into two incidents
•Fifteen Palestinians were killed in the March 2025 incident
•In three incidents, no grounds were found to open a criminal investigation

Which Incidents Are Being Investigated

The first investigation concerns the death of Hind Rajab in January 2024. The second relates to an incident in the Gaza Strip in March 2025, in which 15 Palestinians were killed, including medical personnel and a UN worker. The decision was made following reviews conducted by the military.

In Which Cases No Investigation Was Opened

In the other three incidents, the military found no reasonable suspicion of a criminal offense that would justify opening an investigation. These involved the deaths of seven World Central Kitchen workers in Deir al-Balah in April 2024, two Médecins Sans Frontières workers in Khan Yunis in February 2024, and two additional workers from the organization in Gaza City in November 2023.

What the Decision Means

Opening a Military Police investigation means moving to an examination of possible criminal responsibility, but does not in itself establish guilt. The publication did not identify suspects, possible charges, relevant statutory provisions, or final conclusions regarding the two incidents under investigation.

What this means for you

The decision does not change Israeli law and, at this stage, does not mean that indictments will be filed. For people connected to incidents of this kind, it shows that following an initial military review, a case may be transferred to the Military Police if reasonable suspicion of a criminal offense emerges.

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