This bill aims to establish accountability for the January 29, 2024, attack in Gaza City, which resulted in the deaths of 5-year-old Hind Rajab, her family members, and two Palestine Red Crescent paramedics. The legislation highlights forensic findings suggesting the involvement of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the use of weapons, including components, provided by the United States. It underscores the need for a thorough investigation into these deaths, which are considered potential war crimes. The bill mandates that the Secretary of State certify whether credible information indicates the attacks could constitute war crimes, especially if U.S.-origin weapons, U.S. citizens, or U.S.-trained IDF personnel were involved. If so, the Secretary must refer these findings to the Attorney General for potential prosecution. Concurrently, the Attorney General is required to certify that the Department of Justice will review any such referrals and initiate investigations and prosecutions for war crimes as appropriate. Furthermore, the legislation requires the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Attorney General and Secretary of Defense, to submit a comprehensive report to Congress within 45 days. This report must detail the identity of involved IDF units, operational motivations, Israeli investigative actions, and the extent of U.S. involvement through citizens, training, or weapons. The bill also expresses the sense of Congress that the Government of Israel should provide acknowledgment, apology, and compensation to the victims' families, and that the Department of State should also provide compensation if U.S.-origin weapons were involved. It reaffirms U.S. policy to collect evidence, pursue accountability for war crimes, and uphold international humanitarian law, including investigating allegations against U.S. citizens.
This bill aims to establish accountability for the January 29, 2024, attack in Gaza City, which resulted in the deaths of 5-year-old Hind Rajab, her family members, and two Palestine Red Crescent paramedics. The legislation highlights forensic findings suggesting the involvement of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the use of weapons, including components, provided by the United States. It underscores the need for a thorough investigation into these deaths, which are considered potential war crimes. The bill mandates that the Secretary of State certify whether credible information indicates the attacks could constitute war crimes, especially if U.S.-origin weapons, U.S. citizens, or U.S.-trained IDF personnel were involved. If so, the Secretary must refer these findings to the Attorney General for potential prosecution. Concurrently, the Attorney General is required to certify that the Department of Justice will review any such referrals and initiate investigations and prosecutions for war crimes as appropriate. Furthermore, the legislation requires the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Attorney General and Secretary of Defense, to submit a comprehensive report to Congress within 45 days. This report must detail the identity of involved IDF units, operational motivations, Israeli investigative actions, and the extent of U.S. involvement through citizens, training, or weapons. The bill also expresses the sense of Congress that the Government of Israel should provide acknowledgment, apology, and compensation to the victims' families, and that the Department of State should also provide compensation if U.S.-origin weapons were involved. It reaffirms U.S. policy to collect evidence, pursue accountability for war crimes, and uphold international humanitarian law, including investigating allegations against U.S. citizens.