What does Preamble of Justice for Hind Rajab Act do?

This bill calls for accountability regarding the killing of innocent civilians in Gaza City on January 29, 2024. The bill specifically references the deaths of 5-year-old Hind Rajab and two paramedics. It requires the Secretary of State to report to Congress on the attack by Israel Defense Forces.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Justice for Hind Rajab Act do?

This Act is formally titled the 'Justice for Hind Rajab Act'.

What does FINDINGS. of Justice for Hind Rajab Act do?

This section outlines findings related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. It states that the United States has provided over $21.7 billion in military assistance to Israel since October 7, 2023. The text indicates an estimated 10,000 individuals from the United States were activated for the war in Gaza. Reports suggest over 20,000 children and at least 1,700 health workers have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023. The section details the killing of 5-year-old Hind Rami Iyad Rajab and her family in a car by IDF fire, noting 335 bullet holes in the vehicle. Two Palestine Red Crescent paramedics attempting to rescue Rajab were also killed. Forensic analysis suggests the weapons used in these attacks were consistent with IDF-issued weaponry, including components from the United States. The text mentions an Israeli Merkava tank, utilizing U.S.-manufactured parts, was present during the attack. The Department of State has requested further information from Israel regarding the attacks and supports a full investigation. The section references the Leahy Law, which prohibits assistance to foreign security units implicated in gross human rights violations.

What does PROSECUTION OF WAR CRIMES. of Justice for Hind Rajab Act do?

This section outlines procedures for the potential prosecution of war crimes related to the January 29, 2024, attacks in Gaza City. The Secretary of State must certify within 30 days of the Act's enactment if credible information suggests the attacks, involving U.S.-origin weapons, citizens, or IDF personnel trained by the U.S., could constitute war crimes. If certified, the Secretary must refer findings to the Attorney General for prosecution within 15 days of the certification. The Attorney General must certify within 30 days of the Act's enactment that the Department of Justice will review referrals and initiate investigations and prosecutions for war crimes under 18 U.S.C. section 2441, if appropriate and within U.S. court jurisdiction.

What does REPORT ON THE GAZA CITY ATTACKS ON JANUARY 29, 2024. of Justice for Hind Rajab Act do?

This section mandates a report on the Gaza City attacks of January 29, 2024, as described in section 2. The report is to be submitted to appropriate congressional committees within 45 days of the Act's enactment. The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of Defense, is responsible for producing the report. The report must include information regarding the identity of Israeli security force units involved, the operational motivation for the attacks, and any investigations or accountability measures taken by the Israeli government. The report also needs to detail whether U.S. citizens or personnel were involved, and if U.S.-provided weapons, ammunition, or training were utilized. The report must outline actions taken by the Department of State to request information from Israel and the U.S. intelligence community. It requires an assessment of whether the attacks constituted a 'gross violation of human rights' under the Leahy Laws. The report must include findings from Department of State reviews and internal investigations. The report also requires information on whether the Department of Justice has received information regarding the attacks and if it has been relayed to the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section.

What does COMPENSATION. of Justice for Hind Rajab Act do?

This section expresses the sense of Congress that the Government of Israel should acknowledge, apologize to, and compensate the families of Hind Rajab and the paramedics killed in attacks on January 29, 2024. The compensation to these families should consider the families' input and wishes. The Department of State should provide compensation to these families if it is determined that United States-origin weapons or munitions were involved in the attacks.

What does STATEMENT OF POLICY. of Justice for Hind Rajab Act do?

This section establishes a policy for the United States regarding potential war crimes and atrocities committed during the Israel-Hamas war, which began on October 7, 2023. The policy includes collecting, analyzing, and preserving evidence related to these events for use in legal proceedings. Efforts will continue to identify, deter, and pursue accountability for war crimes and atrocities in global conflicts. The willful killing of protected persons, such as civilians and medical personnel, is considered a potential war crime or crime against humanity. The United States aims to uphold international conventions, including the Fourth Geneva Convention and related articles concerning the protection of civilians and medical personnel. The Attorney General is directed to investigate credible allegations of war crimes committed by U.S. citizens in Gaza, utilizing the War Crimes Act of 1996.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Justice for Hind Rajab Act do?

This section defines terms used within the Act. “Appropriate congressional committees” refers to specific committees in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. “Atrocities” is defined as having the meaning given in section 6(2) of the Elie Wiesel Genocide and Atrocities Prevention Act of 2018. “War crime” is defined as having the meaning given in section 2441(c) of title 18, United States Code.

Back to bills

Justice for Hind Rajab Act

Last updated: 3/12/2026 · Introduced: 3/12/2026

Author: Peter Welch (D-VT)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill requires the Secretary of State to report to Congress on the January 29, 2024, attacks in Gaza City, including the deaths of Hind Rajab and two paramedics, focusing on the potential involvement of U.S.-origin weapons or personnel.
The bill establishes a process for potential prosecution of war crimes related to the attacks, requiring certification by the Secretary of State and the Attorney General to initiate investigations under U.S. law.
It mandates a comprehensive report detailing the circumstances of the attacks, including the identity of involved Israeli security forces, motivations, and any accountability measures taken by the Israeli government.
The bill expresses Congress’s sense that the Israeli government should acknowledge, apologize to, and compensate the families of Hind Rajab and the paramedics, particularly if U.S.-origin weapons were involved.
The bill establishes a policy for the U.S. to collect and preserve evidence of potential war crimes and atrocities committed during the Israel-Hamas war, directing the Attorney General to investigate allegations involving U.S. citizens.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 7903(In Committee)Official page

Verified Votes

No verified votes yet.

Community Votes

No community votes yet. Be the first!

Voting as guest · Sign in for verified votes

Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 6 more.

8 sections

Click "Show details" to explore individual sections. Use the community vote above or visit All Sections to vote per section.

Read official text

Want the full experience?

Create a free account to cast verified votes on each section, get a personalized summary, and track your voting history.

Create Free Account