‘Substantial evidence’ of double-tap strike in killing of Gaza’s Hind Rajab

In the final hours of Hind Rajab’s life on January 29, 2024, she pleaded with her mother and emergency workers while trapped in a car surrounded by the bodies of six relatives.

“In the final hours of her life on January 29, 2024, Hind Rajab’s feeble voice could be heard desperately pleading with her mother and emergency workers for help, as she was trapped in a car surrounded by the bodies of six of her relatives”

Al Jazeera

After receiving clearance from the Israeli military in Gaza City, a Red Crescent ambulance raced to reach Hind.

Al Jazeera

The marked ambulance, with sirens blaring, came under Israeli tank fire, and two paramedics were killed.

The remains of the nine victims were recovered 12 days later.

Two years after Hind Rajab’s death, Avaaz published a report claiming substantial evidence of a deliberate double-tap strike by the Israeli army, arguing the first strike was followed by a second, timed attack targeting emergency responders and medical personnel.

The analysis says the killings contravene international combat law under the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute.

Al Jazeera

Avaaz asserts the ambulance obtained permission from COGAT to reach Hind, indicating Israeli forces knew when responders would arrive, and notes about three hours passed between the initial shooting and the attack on the ambulance.

The report documents over 40 human rights violations and ties them to a double-tap pattern on hospital workers, concluding that Israel is not only killing Palestinians but systematically killing those who try to save them.

Avaaz has urged the International Criminal Court to bring those responsible to justice.

The Israeli army had not responded to Al Jazeera’s request for comment at publication.

“In the final hours of her life on January 29, 2024, Hind Rajab’s feeble voice could be heard desperately pleading with her mother and emergency workers for help, as she was trapped in a car surrounded by the bodies of six of her relatives”

Al Jazeera

The Israeli government initially claimed none of its forces were present, later asserting that the 335 bullet holes found in Hind’s car were the result of an exchange of fire between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian fighters.

Forensic Architecture identified several Israeli Merkava tanks near the family’s car and found no evidence of any exchange of fire.

The Avaaz report highlights that the ambulance obtained permission from COGAT, an arm of the Israeli military, to go to Hind’s aid, so Israeli forces knew exactly when the first responders would arrive and the route they would take.

About three hours passed between the initial shooting of the family vehicle and the attack on the ambulance, indicating the Israeli army had ample opportunity for situational awareness, communication, and command decision-making.

The Hind Rajab Foundation said the double-tap arguments are consistent with its analysis, and that it has 24 names of responsible perpetrators and is open to filing with Avaaz to take the case to the ICC.

Sarah Andrew, Avaaz’s legal director, said she was convinced this was another double-tap case and urged the ICC to hear accountability.

Al Jazeera

Professor James Sweeney of the University of Lancaster, an expert on human rights and conflict, described double-tap attacks as typically involving a second strike within five to 10 minutes, but noted that in this case the timing undermines the normal pattern while reaffirming that the attack on the ambulance was unlawful and amounts to war crimes.

The Hind Rajab Foundation said it is preparing for new filings against responsible soldiers in various jurisdictions.