Hind Rajab Foundation files ICC complaint against 24 'Israeli' soldiers over Rajab family murder

One day after the broadcast of the Al Jazeera documentary, which revealed the identities of 'Israeli' commanders and soldiers responsible for the killing of six-year-old Hind Rajab, the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) submitted a 120-page Article 15 communication to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.

The filing names 24 'Israeli' soldiers and commanders allegedly responsible for the deaths of Hind Rajab, six members of her family, and two Palestinian Red Crescent paramedics, Yusuf al-Zeino and Ahmed al-Madhoun, who were deliberately targeted while attempting to rescue the girl on 29 January 2024 in Gaza City.

Identified Perpetrators

According to the HRF, the 24 named perpetrators are linked to the Vampire Empire Company of the 52nd Armoured Battalion (“Ha-Bok’im / The Breachers”), operating under 'Israel’s' 401st Armoured Brigade. The complaint specifically names:

• Colonel Beni Aharon, Commander of the 401st Armoured Brigade
• Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Ella, Commander of the 52nd Armoured Battalion
• Major Sean Glass, Commander of the Vampire Empire Company
• 22 identified tank crew members directly involved in the attack

While the identities of some soldiers, including tank crew member Itay Cukierkopf, were revealed in the Al Jazeera documentary, the remaining 22 names have been submitted confidentially to the ICC and will be disclosed progressively as national-level complaints are filed.

Evidence and Legal Basis

The HRF submission includes satellite imagery, digital evidence, and forensic analysis demonstrating that Merkava IV tanks of the Vampire Empire Company repeatedly fired on the black Kia Picanto in which Hind and her family were trapped, and later targeted the ambulance sent to rescue them.

The foundation argues that these attacks were carried out with full knowledge of the victims’ civilian status and coordination with Palestinian Red Crescent authorities, constituting war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide under Articles 6, 7, and 8 of the Rome Statute.

Global Legal Action

In parallel with the ICC filing, HRF is pursuing national prosecutions under universal and dual-nationality jurisdiction, targeting perpetrators who hold foreign citizenships. A first case has been filed in Argentina against Itay Cukierkopf, with additional cases underway in Europe, Latin America, and North America.

Dyab Abou Jahjah, General Director of HRF, stated:
“This is not only a legal act, it’s a revolt against the global order of impunity. Twenty-four names are now before the ICC, and more will follow in national courts. Justice is not a favor we ask, it is the inevitable reckoning of truth.”

Call to the ICC

The foundation has urged the ICC Prosecutor to:

• Incorporate the killing of Hind Rajab and her rescuers into the Situation in the State of Palestine investigation
• Expand the investigation to include the Vampire Empire Company, the 52nd Armoured Battalion, and the 401st Armoured Brigade
• Issue arrest warrants for the 24 identified perpetrators

Natacha Bracq, HRF’s Head of Litigation, added:
“The evidence demonstrates organized and systematic intent. The Hind Rajab case is not isolated — it represents a wider pattern of violations that the ICC must urgently address. The rule of law cannot remain selective when the crime is genocide.”

Al Jazeera Documentary

The HRF and Al Jazeera Arabic documentary aired on Monday, revealing new details about the Rajab family killings. The report showed that 'Israeli' Merkava tanks, specifically from the 52nd Armoured Battalion, were present at the scene and directly responsible for the deaths, contradicting official 'Israeli' claims of no troop presence.

The documentary highlighted the role of Major Sean Glass and the Vampire Empire Company, linking operational control and deliberate targeting of civilians. Investigations by Forensic Architecture at Goldsmiths, University of London, confirmed the presence of the tanks and the absence of armed Palestinian fighters in the vicinity of the family vehicle.

The HRF is also pursuing legal action against other 'Israeli' soldiers, including Shimon Zuckerman, a member of the 8129 Engineering Corps, citing social media posts that demonstrate intent and participation in genocidal acts.

The Hind Rajab Foundation emphasizes that this case is part of a broader campaign to hold perpetrators accountable and end impunity for war crimes in Gaza. HRF’s legal actions at the ICC and in national jurisdictions aim to ensure that no individual involved in these crimes can evade justice.