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Justice for Hind Rajab Act

USA119th CongressS-4095| Senate 
| Updated: 3/12/2026
Peter Welch

Peter Welch

Democratic Senator

Vermont

Cosponsors (2)
Chris Van Hollen (Democratic)Bernard Sanders (Independent)

Foreign Relations Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
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.
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Timeline
Mar 12, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-7903
Introduced in House
Mar 12, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Mar 12, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1049)
  • March 12, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-7903
    Introduced in House


  • March 12, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 12, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1049)

International Affairs

Related Bills

  • HR 119-7903: Justice for Hind Rajab Act

Justice for Hind Rajab Act

USA119th CongressS-4095| Senate 
| Updated: 3/12/2026
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.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Mar 12, 2026

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-7903
Introduced in House
Mar 12, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Mar 12, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1049)
  • March 12, 2026

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-7903
    Introduced in House


  • March 12, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 12, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S1049)
Peter Welch

Peter Welch

Democratic Senator

Vermont

Cosponsors (2)
Chris Van Hollen (Democratic)Bernard Sanders (Independent)

Foreign Relations Committee

International Affairs

Related Bills

  • HR 119-7903: Justice for Hind Rajab Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted