A new investigative documentary has revealed key evidence, identifying certain Israeli military personnel allegedly involved in the killing of five-year-old Hind Rajab and her family in Gaza. The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) and Al Jazeera’s Ma Khafiya Aatham (Tip of the Iceberg) film refutes early Israeli denials and implicates a particular armored unit, the “Vampire Empire” company, led by Major Sean Glass, in carrying out the attack.
Who Was Hind Rajab?
Hind Rajab, a six-year-old girl from Gaza, was killed in January 2024 with six family members and two Palestinian Red Crescent paramedics on a rescue mission. A desperate phone call to emergency services documented her final hours, capturing worldwide attention.
Events of her death
Family trapped in a car: On January 29, 2024, Hind and her family were attempting to flee the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood of Gaza City when their car came under fire from an Israeli army tank.
Cousin’s call: Layan Hamadeh, a 15-year-old cousin, called the PRCS immediately to report that a tank was firing at them. Gunfire was heard and the call ended abruptly as Layan was killed.
Hind’s call for help: The PRCS was able to reconnect with Hind, who was the sole survivor in the vehicle for several hours. In a phone call that was later released to the public, she tearfully pleaded for help while surrounded by her deceased relatives.
Rescue attempt fails: Two paramedics, Yusuf al-Zeino and Ahmed al-Madhoun, were sent to rescue Hind. They were found dead along with their burned-out ambulance near the family’s vehicle.
Discovery of bodies: After Israeli soldiers left the area, Hind’s body and her family’s were found on February 10, 2024. There were numerous bullet holes in the vehicle.
Controversy and investigations
Conflicting accounts: Independent studies later disproved Israel’s original claim that its troops were not in the region.
Forensic findings: A June 2024 investigation by Forensic Architecture found that an Israeli tank had fired on the car and was close enough for the operator to see the children inside. The ambulance was also likely hit by an Israeli tank shell.
War crimes allegations: Independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council have stated that her killing may amount to a war crime. A human rights group also filed a case with the International Criminal Court (ICC).
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What Does the New Investigation Reveal?
The documentary presents findings that contradict the Israeli military’s original account of the January 2024 incident. Israel initially denied that its forces were there and said the 335 bullet holes in the family’s car came from a fight with Palestinian fighters. But an independent investigation by Forensic Architecture at the University of London, using satellite images and audio analysis, confirmed that Israeli Merkava tanks were at the scene. Their investigation found no evidence of an exchange of fire, disputing the official narrative.
Who Has Been Specifically Identified?
The report identifies a chain of command it holds responsible for the operation. The overall officer in charge is named as Colonel Beni Aharon, commander of the 401st Armoured Brigade. Within this brigade, the direct command is traced to the “Vampire Empire” company, which is part of the 52nd Armoured Battalion. The company was under the command of Major Sean Glass, who is now directly accused of leading the unit that carried out the attack. The battalion is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Ella, who is also implicated.
What Legal Actions Have Been Taken?
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has received a formal criminal complaint from the Hind Rajab Foundation in reaction to these findings. 24 Israeli soldiers and commanders are named in the case, including:
- Colonel Beni Aharon
- Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Ella
- Major Sean Glass
- 22 other tank crew members whose identities are currently confidential
In a separate legal action, a soldier from the same unit, Itay Choukirkov, is facing a lawsuit in Argentina under its universal jurisdiction laws for his alleged involvement.
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How Does Social Media Play a Role?
The foundation’s case also highlights the growing role of soldier-posted content as evidence in war crimes investigations.
The documentary uses footage from Israeli forces’ social media accounts, particularly from “war influencer” Shimon Zuckerman. In order to provide a more comprehensive context for the particular occurrence involving Hind Rajab and her family, this material is being examined for what the foundation claims demonstrates genocidal intent.
