Israel’s military has confirmed that it will initiate criminal investigations into the deaths of five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab and her family, along with the killing of 15 Palestinian paramedics in Gaza. This announcement follows a review of 150 incidents involving troop conduct during the ongoing conflict. The Israeli military indicated that the investigations will examine the circumstances surrounding these fatalities.

The military noted that they would specifically look into the death of Rajab and her relatives, who were killed in February 2024, and the medics, killed in March 2025. Notably, the military has opted not to pursue investigations into three other incidents where aid workers from World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders were killed.

Rajab was reportedly shot when Israeli troops opened fire on a vehicle carrying her family members, as they fled Gaza City during an Israeli offensive. Meanwhile, the medics were targeted while responding to emergencies, according to a survivor and video evidence. This incident involved troops firing at an ambulance and additional emergency vehicles sent to assist.

Australia Voices Concerns Over Aid Workers’ Deaths

In a related matter, Australia has expressed significant concern regarding Israel’s decision not to pursue criminal charges over the deaths of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers, including Australian citizen Zomi Frankcom. Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, conveyed outrage and highlighted that the Australian government was informed of the decision at the last moment, preventing timely communication with Frankcom’s family.

Wong articulated critical questions relating to the strikes on the convoy of aid workers, including why it was attacked multiple times within a designated humanitarian zone. Moreover, she revealed that Australia had made multiple requests for drone footage of the incident, but had not yet received any recordings.

Wong previously summoned Israel’s ambassador to Canberra for discussions. However, she refrained from expelling the ambassador, emphasising the need for ongoing diplomatic engagement with Israel. Following their meeting, the Israeli envoy expressed condolences for Frankcom’s family but did not offer an apology for her death.

Recent Developments in Gaza and Iraq

In Gaza, local hospitals and the Palestinian Red Crescent reported that at least ten individuals were killed in two recent Israeli airstrikes, further contributing to the escalating violence in the region. This development has raised questions regarding the effectiveness of recent U.S. diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a fragile ceasefire.

Reports indicated that two days prior, U.S. negotiators urged Israel to lessen its military actions in Gaza. Despite this, Israeli forces reportedly conducted a detainment operation in southern Gaza, apprehending a Hamas police colonel. Eyewitnesses reported witnessing the operation unfold at dawn.

Meanwhile, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf arrived in Iraq for a three-day visit. Ghalibaf is expected to meet with various Iraqi officials and leaders of an Iran-backed political coalition. His comments included praise for Iran-supported militias, which have been involved in drone attacks against U.S. targets, thereby straining Iraq’s diplomatic relations with both Iran and the United States.

In a separate diplomatic development, France announced the expulsion of two Iranian diplomats following an alleged attack on French diplomatic staff in Iran. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot condemned the attack and dismissed Iranian claims as unfounded. The situation further highlights the growing diplomatic tensions involving Iran.

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