Three Sentenced for Murder of Pregnant Woman in Front of Children

A district court in central Israel has sentenced three individuals to lengthy prison terms for the brutal murder of 26-year-old Aya Abu Hajjaj, who was killed in Lod in 2023 while pregnant and in front of her two young children. The victim's half-brother, who was 14.5 at the time of the murder, and her cousin, who was 15.5, were convicted of joint aggravated murder and other offenses. They received sentences of 22 and 17 years respectively. The victim's father was convicted of aiding the murder and other crimes, receiving a 15-year sentence.

In addition to the prison sentences, the court ordered the defendants to pay over 300,000 shekels in compensation to the victim's orphaned children. The indictment revealed that the murder stemmed from Aya's refusal to return to live with her father and his family in Hura. Aya and her sisters had supported their mother's stance, leading the two minors, disguised and armed with knives, to lie in wait for Aya. The following morning, as Aya was taking her four and five-year-old children to kindergarten, her half-brother emerged from a car, attacked her, and stabbed her approximately 20 times. Aya and her unborn child did not survive.

The father was also accused of a prior incident involving severe violence against Aya at her home. Prosecutors from the Central District Attorney's Office welcomed the convictions, calling it the end of a difficult and painful case involving the "cruel murder of Aya by members of her family." They commended the victim's mother, sisters, and other family members for their courage in testifying despite fear, stating their testimony was crucial to establishing the truth. While acknowledging that no punishment can bring Aya back, prosecutors expressed hope that the sentences would bring the family some measure of solace and aid in their healing process.

Lawyer Likol Tamsut, representing the family through the Justice, described the murder as "shocking" and noted that Aya was 30 weeks pregnant. She added that with the criminal proceedings concluded, the family can now focus on the care and rehabilitation of the three orphaned children who are coping with immense daily pain and hardship.