A family in Hebron mourns the death of a seven-month-old baby allegedly shot by an Israeli soldier during an incident in the occupied West Bank.
A family in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron is mourning the death of a seven-month-old baby who was killed during a shooting incident involving an Israeli soldier on Friday, according to the family’s account.
The infant, identified as Sam, was travelling in a car with his mother, older brother, and father when the incident occurred near the Tel Rumeida neighbourhood, an area close to Israeli settlements.
The child’s father, Fahd Abu Haikal, said the family was returning from Bethlehem and had stopped near the area when soldiers appeared nearby. He stated that the family attempted to signal that they were not a threat before a shot was fired at their vehicle.
According to the father’s account, the bullet struck the vehicle and fatally hit the infant, while also injuring the child’s mother. The mother sustained serious injuries, including damage to her jaw, and remains in medical care.
Medical professionals reportedly decided against removing shrapnel lodged near a major artery due to the risk involved in surgery.
The father said the family immediately sought medical help, first attempting to reach an ambulance before being transported to a hospital by a passing vehicle.
He also claimed that soldiers withdrew from the scene after the shooting without providing assistance and that security camera footage from the area was later confiscated.
The family has expressed deep grief and shock over the incident, describing their lives as completely changed within moments. The child’s older brother is also reported to be suffering severe emotional distress following the loss.
The father said he intends to pursue legal action, although he fears accountability may be limited.
Authorities have not yet released an official statement regarding the incident at the time of reporting.
