On 24 January 2024, Hind Rajab was murdered by Israeli occupation forces. Hind was 5 years old when she was taken from Earth.

Hind was a beautiful child. In a loving world, Hind would be here, hugging her mother and father. Hind would be going to school and playing with her friends and siblings and cousins. Hind, like all children on Earth, deserved a life of peace and love - free of humiliation and full of hope.

Hind did not get peace, love and hope - Hind got bombs, bullets and early death.

On that Wednesday, Hind and her family were fleeing Gaza City when Israeli occupation forces attacked their vehicle. The attack has been ruled a “planned execution,” according to a report by Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor. Hind’s uncle, aunt and three cousins were killed in the initial attack. Hind and her cousin survived and were able to contact the Palestine Red Crescent Society. Hind’s cousin was eventually murdered.

Hind was left stranded in a vehicle filled with death. For hours, Hind was on the phone as paramedics from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society attempted to rescue her.

After 14 days, Israeli occupation forces withdrew from the area, on 10 February. Hind, her family, and the paramedics who tried to save her were found killed.

Hind’s story touched millions. Macklemore released a song called Hind’s Hall following pro-Palestinian demonstrators at Columbia University who occupied Hamilton Hall and renamed it Hind’s Hall.

Rachel Griffin Accurso is the educator known to millions around the world as Ms. Rachel. She was deeply moved by Hind’s story.

In an interview with Democracy Now, Accurso spoke about Hind.

“When I heard the phone call of [Hind] begging for help, I mean, there’s nothing to describe how I felt. And I posted about Hind, and then I actually heard from her mom. And Hind, she calls her her angel baby. Hind loved to play doctor and take care of everyone. And Hind loved school. And she has a brother, and they’re a family just like anyone’s family.”

On what would have been Hind’s 7th birthday, 3 May 2025, the Hind Rajab Foundation said they have identified the commander of the battalion that had killed Hind, her family and the paramedics with United States made bombs. The non-profit said it is Lieutenant Colonel Beni Aharon of the 401st Armored Brigade. The Hind Rajab Foundation filed a war crimes complaint against Aharon with the International Criminal Court.