More than two years after five-year-old Hind Rajab was killed, becoming a potent symbol of the suffering of children in Gaza, the Israeli military has announced a criminal investigation into her death. The announcement comes after an initial denial by Israel that its soldiers were present in the area where the incident occurred.

Rajab died on January 29, 2024, trapped in a car with the bodies of her relatives after her family was forcibly displaced from Gaza City. They were attempting to follow Israeli evacuation orders when the vehicle they were in was fired upon. Palestinian Red Crescent workers attempted a rescue, but were reportedly blocked by Israeli forces.

The Israeli military stated that troops "fired at a vehicle that was approaching them," marking the first time the army has acknowledged shooting at the car. This admission follows a review of findings and alleged failures in the coordination of the Palestine Red Crescent ambulance dispatched to save the child, who was the sole survivor in the vehicle.

However, hopes for justice remain slim, as criminal misconduct investigations into Israeli troops concerning the deaths of Palestinians rarely result in convictions. Rajab's grandmother, also named Hind Rajab, expressed skepticism about the Israeli investigation, calling it insufficient and demanding an international probe.

She stated that an international investigation is necessary to uncover the truth and hold all responsible parties accountable. "We call for justice, not only for Hind, but for all Gaza children," she told The Associated Press.

The military's announcement is part of its first criminal probes into troop conduct in Gaza. The investigation will also examine the deaths of other family members who were in the car with Rajab.

Rajab's case gained international attention, with journalistic investigations, including those by Al Jazeera, highlighting the circumstances of her death. The child's image became a symbol of the broader humanitarian crisis and the devastating impact of the conflict on civilian lives, particularly children.

Despite the military's investigation, many in Gaza remain doubtful about the prospect of accountability. The circumstances surrounding the shelling of the vehicle and the subsequent blocking of rescue efforts continue to be points of contention and sorrow.