Justice for Hind Rajab Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Jacobs, Sara [D-CA-51]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 12, 2026
Bottom line
This bill seeks to establish accountability for a specific incident in Gaza, potentially leading to U.S. investigations and prosecutions for war crimes if U.S. involvement is found.
What it actually does
The bill, titled the "Justice for Hind Rajab Act," mandates accountability for the January 29, 2024, attack in Gaza City that killed 5-year-old Hind Rajab, her family, and two paramedics. It requires the Secretary of State to report to Congress on the attack, including whether U.S.-provided weapons or U.S. citizens/trained IDF personnel were involved. It also mandates the Secretary of State to refer credible war crime information to the Attorney General for potential prosecution and requires the Attorney General to review such referrals and initiate investigations as appropriate.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that the bill is crucial for upholding international humanitarian law and ensuring accountability for civilian casualties, especially children and medical personnel, in conflicts where U.S. military aid or personnel might be involved. They emphasize the importance of investigating potential war crimes and ensuring that U.S. values are reflected in the conduct of its allies and its own citizens abroad.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that this bill could interfere with ongoing diplomatic efforts, prejudge investigations, or strain relations with key allies. They might also contend that such specific investigations should be handled by international bodies or the involved nation's own justice system, and that U.S. intervention could be seen as overreach or politically motivated.
The bill is relatively short and straightforward, allowing for a quick and informed read to understand its core objectives.
Section 1
Short Title
This section establishes the official short title of the Act as the "Justice for Hind Rajab Act," providing a concise and memorable name for the legislation.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a clear and evocative short title helps to communicate the bill's purpose and galvanize public and legislative support around its central theme of justice for the victims.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against short titles, as they are standard legislative practice.
Tradeoffs
None apparent for this specific provision.
Section 2
Congressional Findings
This section lays out Congress's factual basis for the bill, detailing the context of U.S. military assistance to Israel, the number of U.S. personnel activated, civilian and health worker casualties in Gaza, and specific details of the January 29, 2024 attack, including forensic findings on weaponry and the proximity of an Israeli Merkava tank. It also references Section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (Leahy Law).
Section 3
Referral and Investigation of War Crimes
This section mandates the Secretary of State to certify within 30 days whether credible information suggests the January 29, 2024 attacks could constitute war crimes involving U.S.-origin weapons, citizens, or trained IDF personnel. If so, the Secretary must refer these findings to the Attorney General within 15 days for prosecution. Concurrently, the Attorney General must certify within 30 days that the Department of Justice will review such referrals and initiate investigations and prosecutions for war crimes under U.S. law, as appropriate.
Section 4
Secretary of State Report on January 29, 2024 Attacks
This section requires the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Attorney General and Secretary of War, to submit a report to Congress within 45 days. The report must include all available U.S. Government information on the identity of involved IDF units, operational motivation, Israeli investigations, involvement of U.S. citizens or U.S.-provided weapons/training, and actions taken by the State Department and intelligence community regarding the attacks. It also requires reporting on Leahy Law compliance inquiries and Department of Justice actions.
Section 5
Sense of Congress on Compensation
This section expresses the sense of Congress that the Government of Israel should provide compensation to the families of Hind Rajab and the paramedics killed in the January 29, 2024 attacks. It also states that the Department of State should provide compensation if U.S. citizens serving in the IDF were involved in the attacks.
Section 6
United States Policy on War Crimes and Atrocities
This section establishes U.S. policy to collect, analyze, and preserve evidence of possible war crimes and atrocities in the Israel-Hamas war for use in domestic and international courts, specifically mentioning the January 29, 2024 attacks. It reaffirms the U.S. commitment to identifying, deterring, and pursuing accountability for war crimes, upholding the Fourth Geneva Convention regarding civilian and medical personnel protection, and investigating credible allegations of war crimes by U.S. citizens in Gaza under the War Crimes Act of 1996.