The US has called for an urgent investigation by Israel into the death of a six-year-old Gaza girl who was left alone after her family’s car was shot at by Israeli forces.
Hind Rajab was found dead on Saturday, along with two relatives and two Red Crescent workers who tried to rescue her. She had made a frantic phone call to the Red Crescent more than two weeks ago, saying she was scared and alone.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the US was “heartbroken” by Hind’s death and the thousands of other children who have died in the ongoing Israeli strikes on Gaza.
He said the US had asked Israel to investigate the incident and ensure accountability. He said the US expected to see the results in a timely manner.
The US is Israel’s main ally and supporter, but has also urged Israel to do more to protect civilians and allow humanitarian aid in Gaza.
More than 28,000 people have been killed in Gaza due to Israeli bombardment of the strip, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry. About 1,160 people, mostly civilians, died in the Hamas attack, according to an AFP count.
Hind’s mother, Wissam Hamada, blamed her daughter’s death on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Joe Biden and “all those who conspired against Gaza and its people.”
