The thousands of people missing under the rubble could raise the death toll from the conflict in Gaza to more than 200,000, according to estimates. Among them is Hind Rajab, a six-year-old girl who was killed along with her family while attempting to flee the city. At least 17,500 children have died in the attacks, but the actual number is feared to exceed 70,000.
Hind Rajab was found dead on February 10, next to her family and two rescuers who rushed to her aid. Her tragic story moved the world by revealing the cruelty of violence in the region. She was one of at least 45,000 people killed by Israeli forces, leaving an irreparable void in her family and community.
The incident in which Hind lost her life occurred when an Israeli tank attacked the vehicle they were escaping in. Despite cries for help, the tank continued firing, regardless of the presence of civilians, including children, in the car. This brutal act is part of a pattern of systematic violence that has been condemned internationally.
Various organizations have emerged in memory of Hind Rajab, fighting for justice and bringing charges against those responsible for war crimes. The Hind Rajab Foundation leads initiatives to bring to justice the perpetrators of this and other atrocities in Gaza. Her legacy has transcended borders, inspiring protests and mobilizations around the world.
Rapper Macklemore released the song "Hind's Hall" in honor of Hind's memory and in solidarity with the student protests demanding justice. Furthermore, he has criticized the complicity of the U.S. government with the actions of the Israeli army and has refused to vote for President Biden in the 2024 elections. His music and activism resonate in a global call to end the violence and suffering in Gaza.
