Israel to Probe Gaza Strikes as Middle East Tensions Escalate

DUBAI, Aug 20: Israel’s military has ordered criminal investigations into the deaths of a five-year-old Palestinian girl and her family in 2024 and 15 Palestinian paramedics killed in 2025, following a review of 150 incidents involving troop conduct during the war in Gaza.

The decision concerns two cases that attracted widespread international attention. The military said it would investigate the killing of Hind Rajab and members of her family, as well as the deaths of emergency workers in Rafah.

Rajab was killed in February 2024 when Israeli forces opened fire on a vehicle carrying the child, her aunt, uncle and four cousins as they attempted to leave Gaza City during an Israeli military operation.

The second case involves 15 Palestinian paramedics who were killed in March 2025 after Israeli troops fired on emergency vehicles in Rafah. The bodies were later buried in a mass grave, according to accounts and footage examined during the investigation.

The military said its review of 150 incidents would not result in criminal investigations into three other attacks involving aid workers from World Central Kitchen and Doctors Without Borders.

Australia Condemns Decision Over Aid Workers

Australia has expressed strong anger over Israel’s decision not to pursue criminal charges over the deaths of seven World Central Kitchen workers, including Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Canberra was informed of the decision shortly before it was made public and criticised the lack of sufficient accountability.

Wong said several questions remained unanswered, including why the aid convoy was struck three times despite operating in a designated humanitarian area. She also said Australia had repeatedly requested drone footage from the incident but had not received it.

The Australian government, she said, did not consider the removal of two officers and reprimands issued to three others adequate accountability for the deaths.

Wong also summoned Israel’s ambassador to Canberra for discussions but ruled out expelling the envoy, saying diplomatic engagement remained necessary.

Israeli envoy Hillel Newman expressed sympathy for Frankcom’s family but defended the findings, saying the conclusion followed an extended investigation.

Gaza Strikes Raise Fresh Ceasefire Concerns

At least 10 people were killed in two Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Wednesday, according to local hospitals and the Palestinian Red Crescent.

The latest attacks have raised further concerns over efforts to maintain a fragile ceasefire. The strikes came shortly after US negotiators reportedly urged Israel to reduce military operations in the territory.

Israeli troops also reportedly crossed a ceasefire line in southern Gaza and detained a Hamas police colonel, according to witnesses and a Hamas official.

The developments have added to uncertainty surrounding diplomatic efforts to prevent renewed escalation in the conflict.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Visits Iraq

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf arrived in Iraq for a three-day visit during which he is expected to meet senior Iraqi officials and leaders of an Iran-aligned political coalition.

Ghalibaf praised Iran-backed Iraqi militias, referring to them as a key part of Iraq’s national strength. His comments came as Baghdad continues efforts to bring armed groups under greater state control.

Iran-aligned militias in Iraq have launched drone attacks against US military and diplomatic interests amid the wider conflict, increasing pressure on the Iraqi government to balance its relationships with Tehran and Washington.

Iraq has also sought special arrangements from Iran for its oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been heavily affected by the conflict. The country depends overwhelmingly on oil revenue and has been forced to consider alternative export routes as shipping through the strategic waterway faces disruption.

France and Iran Expel Diplomats

A separate diplomatic dispute between France and Iran has intensified, with Paris announcing the expulsion of two Iranian Embassy staff members.

France said the move was in retaliation for the expulsion of two French diplomatic personnel from Iran earlier in the week.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot accused Iranian authorities of failing to properly investigate what France described as a deliberate attack on its diplomatic staff.

Iran, meanwhile, alleged that the French diplomats had participated in a secret meeting involving individuals suspected of foreign interference. Paris rejected the allegations as fabricated.

The diplomatic expulsions add another layer to growing tensions between European governments and Tehran as the wider Middle East crisis continues to affect regional security and international relations.