The Independent Commission for Human Rights Urges Immediate Investigation into the Killing of Islam Hijazi
The Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR) strongly condemns the tragic shooting that led to the death of Islam Atiya Hijazi, the 31-year-old director of the "Heal Palestine Organization" and a mother of two.
According to ICHR's documentation, at approximately 7:30 PM on Thursday, September 26, 2024, Hijazi was driving a vehicle belonging to her organization near the northern gate of the Jordanian field hospital in Khan Younis City when her car came under sudden gunfire. The attack resulted in her immediate death. She was later transferred to Nasser Medical Complex, where it was confirmed she had sustained four bullet wounds—two to the head and two to the upper body.
In an official statement, Gaza’s Ministry of Interior described the killing as an "accidental incident." The family of Hijazi was informed by police that the shooting was a case of mistaken identity, as the General Investigation Police had been pursuing a fugitive driving a car resembling the one Hijazi was in. It is worth noting that the car she was driving clearly displayed the logo of her organization, raising serious concerns about the circumstances leading to her death.
ICHR views Hijazi’s killing with grave concern, particularly as it comes amidst the ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip, which has severely strained internal security and law enforcement systems. The Commission warns that such incidents underscore the broader impact of Israel’s systematic targeting of Gaza's security apparatus, destabilizing the rule of law and infringing upon the rights and freedoms of Palestinians.
In light of these complex and dire conditions, ICHR urgently calls on Gaza’s Ministry of Interior to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. The Commission stresses the need for full transparency, urging that the findings be made public and that those responsible for this tragic event be held accountable. Moreover, ICHR emphasizes the necessity of implementing effective safeguards to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in the future.
