Israeli Military Fails to Contact Palestine Red Crescent Society Regarding Killing of 6-Year-Old Palestinian Girl
The Israeli military has not made any contact with the Palestine Red Crescent Society regarding the killing of a 6-year-old Palestinian girl, her family members, and the paramedics who were sent to save her, according to a spokesperson for the Red Crescent. This contradicts the State Department’s previous remarks about the incident. The spokesperson, Nebal Farsakh, stated that there has been no investigation or communication from the Israelis to the Red Crescent since the attack on their ambulances. The lack of communication raises concerns about the transparency and accountability of the Israeli military.
State Department Claims Red Crescent and UN Rebuffed Israeli Investigation Efforts
In response to the incident, State Department spokesperson Matt Miller stated that Israel claimed the Red Crescent and the United Nations had rejected their efforts to investigate the incident. However, Farsakh’s statement contradicts this claim, suggesting that Israel did not reach out to the Red Crescent for any investigation or communication. This raises questions about the accuracy of Israel’s claims and their commitment to a thorough investigation.
Independent Investigation Supports Palestinian Claims
An independent investigation conducted by Forensic Architecture, a U.K.-based firm, supports the Palestinian claims that Israeli fire was responsible for the attack. The investigation concluded that it was highly unlikely that Israeli forces would not have seen who they shot at, considering they fired 335 bullets. The firm also found that the shooter would have had a clear view of the car and its passengers from the tank position indicated by the entry and exit holes. This evidence further strengthens the case against Israel and raises doubts about their denial of involvement.
State Department Relies Solely on Israeli Claims
When questioned about Forensic Architecture’s findings, Miller stated that Israel claimed there were no tanks in the area. However, he did not confirm or verify these claims, emphasizing that the State Department is only conveying what Israel has said. This raises concerns about the State Department’s reliance on Israeli claims without conducting an independent investigation or seeking additional evidence. It also calls into question the objectivity and impartiality of the State Department’s response.
Red Crescent’s Pleas for Help Ignored
During the incident, Hind Rajab, the 6-year-old Palestinian girl, made desperate pleas for help to a Red Crescent dispatcher. She mentioned seeing a tank nearby and expressed her fear and urgency to be rescued. Despite these pleas, her family members were killed in front of her, and she was left stranded until the Red Crescent dispatched an ambulance. The fact that Hind’s whereabouts were unknown for 12 days after the incident highlights the lack of information and communication provided by the Israeli military. This raises concerns about their accountability and responsibility for the safety of civilians in conflict zones.
State Department’s Lack of Action and Transparency
The Intercept’s repeated inquiries to the State Department about the incident and the status of investigations have been met with vague responses. Miller consistently stated that the U.S. was asking Israel to investigate but did not provide any updates or concrete information. The State Department’s failure to take decisive action or provide clear answers raises questions about their commitment to holding Israel accountable for potential violations of international law. It also raises concerns about the U.S.’s continued provision of aid to Israel without ensuring that it adheres to international standards.
Conclusion
The lack of communication between the Israeli military and the Palestine Red Crescent Society regarding the killing of Hind Rajab and her family members is deeply concerning. The State Department’s reliance on Israeli claims without conducting an independent investigation raises doubts about their commitment to transparency and accountability. The evidence from Forensic Architecture’s investigation supports the Palestinian claims and further undermines Israel’s denial of involvement. The Red Crescent’s pleas for help and the subsequent deaths of paramedics highlight the urgent need for a thorough investigation into this incident. The State Department’s lack of action and transparency raises questions about their role in ensuring that U.S. aid is not used to violate international law.
