Documentary uncovers new evidence in killing of Hind Rajab and her family
Assalamu alaikum. A new documentary, made with the Hind Rajab Foundation, has brought to light fresh evidence about the killing of five-year-old Hind Rajab, her relatives and the rescue team that tried to reach them in Gaza City.
The film, Ma Khafiya Aatham (Tip of the Iceberg), shared previously unknown details about the deaths that happened in late January 2024. Video of Hind’s last hours - when she begged for help after shelling killed her uncle, aunt and three cousins in their car - spread widely online after the attack.
Israel initially said none of its forces were present when the family was killed, and later claimed the 335 bullet holes in the car came from an exchange of fire with armed fighters. But a subsequent review of satellite images and audio by a research group at Goldsmiths, University of London, found only several Israeli Merkava tanks near the car and no evidence of any firefight.
The commander of the tanks in the area was Colonel Beni Aharon of Israel’s 401 Armoured Brigade, who is already named in a complaint at the International Criminal Court filed by the Hind Rajab Foundation. The foundation’s investigations point to a company inside the brigade, nicknamed “Vampire Empire” and led by Major Sean Glass, as being directly responsible for the family’s deaths and for tampering with the scene.
That company is part of the 52nd Armoured Battalion, known as Ha-Bok’im (The Breachers), under Colonel Daniel Ella, who the foundation says has field-level responsibility. One soldier from the unit, a dual Israeli-Argentine national, is facing legal action in Argentina over his alleged role.
The documentary also notes that the 52nd Battalion was among the first Israeli units to enter Gaza in October 2023 and has been linked to some of the deadliest operations since, including damage to hospitals.
An Israeli security analyst in the film said campaigns financed by groups supporting Palestinians worry the government, especially when Israeli military personnel face prosecution abroad. He added that such cases concern both the army and intelligence agencies.
The Hind Rajab Foundation is pursuing legal cases against several individual soldiers, including one who posted footage showing destruction in villages near Khan Younis. The foundation argues those posts indicate the intent behind the killings.
May Allah grant justice to the victims and patience to their families. Please keep them in your duas.
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