H.R. 7903 & S.4095 - Justice for Hind Rajab Act

S.4095, The Justice for Hind Rajab Act, was introduced March 12, 2026 by Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). It is currently pending before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

H.R.7903, The Justice for Hind Rajab Act, was introduced March 12, 2026 Representative Sara Jacobs (D-CA-51), Joaquin Castro (D-TX-7) and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-7). It is currently pending before the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Related legislation: H.R.7281 - Justice for Shireen Act

Bill Summary: The Justice for Hind Rajab Act requires the Secretary of State to report to Congress on the January 29, 2024 attack in Gaza City that killed 5-year-old Hind Rajab, members of her family, and two Palestine Red Crescent paramedics. Within 45 days of enactment, the report must detail the Israeli units involved, the circumstances of the attack, whether U.S.-origin weapons, training, or personnel were connected to the incident, and what investigative or accountability actions have been taken, including whether the incident triggers review under the Leahy Laws. If credible information indicates the attack may constitute a war crime involving U.S. weapons, U.S. citizens, or Israeli personnel trained by the United States, the Secretary of State must refer the matter to the Attorney General for review and potential prosecution under the U.S. War Crimes Act. The bill also expresses the sense of Congress that the victims’ families should receive acknowledgment and compensation and establishes a policy of preserving evidence of potential war crimes committed during the Israel-Hamas war.

Context: On January 29, 2024, Hind Rajab, a five-year-old girl, along with her mother’s uncle, his wife, and their four children were fleeing the violence in northern Gaza after being displaced multiple times by air strikes across the Gaza Strip. As they drove through Gaza City in search of safety, Israeli forces fired into the car, killing everyone except Hind and her 15-year-old cousin Layan. Layan called family members for help, who contacted the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS), which records emergency calls. At approximately 2:30 p.m, dispatchers reached Layan and she was heard screaming, “They are shooting at us. The tank is next to me,” followed by gunfire and silence.

The PRCS immediately called back and Hind answered. She was the last person alive. As Israeli armored vehicles surrounded the car, she told dispatchers, “I’m so scared. Please come.” An ambulance was dispatched but, due to Israeli authorities refusing to grant direct access to the PRCS, they arrived three hours later. Twelve days later, after Israeli forces left the area, the bodies of Hind, her family members, and two paramedics were found. Investigators documented approximately 350 bullet holes in the vehicle.

Experts have cited the killing as a possible war crime. The Government of Israel initially stated the IDF was not operating in the area. However, forensic analysis identified weapons and munitions consistent with those used by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), including an M4 carbine, FN MAG machine gun, Merkava tank, and 120mm M830A1 high-explosive anti-tank rounds. These weapons are either provided by the United States or contain U.S.-manufactured components. The Justice for Hind Rajab Act directs the Secretary of State to investigate whether the attack constitutes a war crime involving U.S.-origin weapons. Israel has so far refused to allow independent investigators access to the crime scene.

This fits within a long standing pattern of a refusal by the Government of Israel to properly investigate or pursue accountability in instances of human rights violations and war crimes. Other such instances that have resulted in no proper accountability include the killing of US journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and the rape and torture of detainees at the Sde Teiman facility. Despite these facts, the willingness of US officials to defer to Israel in such matters has proven a fundamental obstacle to the application of the Leahy Law.

The bill therefore requires an independent investigation to determine whether the incident constitutes a gross violation of internationally recognized human rights that could trigger restrictions under the Leahy Law.

American Values Analysis: The Justice for Hind Rajab Act aligns with American values of accountability, rule of law, and the protection of civilians in armed conflict. By requiring an independent investigation into the killing of Hind Rajab, the bill reflects the principle that American weapons should not be used to commit war crimes and reinforces U.S. commitments to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians and medical personnel.

American Interest Analysis: The Justice for Hind Rajab Act advances U.S. interests by ensuring that American weapons and security assistance are not implicated in war crimes or gross human rights violations. Investigating incidents involving U.S.-origin weapons reinforces compliance with the Leahy Law, strengthens oversight of U.S. arms transfers, and supports broader efforts to deter atrocities.

A New Policy’s Recommendation: SUPPORT

A New Policy supports the Justice for Hind Rajab Act as it establishes an independent investigation into a possible war crime in the killing of the family of Hind Rajab and the PRCS paramedics involving U.S.-origin weapons, and strengthens congressional oversight and accountability in the use of American military assistance.

For more information please contact: Josh Paul, (202) 770-0055, info@anewpolicy.org