RismadarVoice Reporters, June 16, 2026
The family of a seven-month-old baby who was killed after being shot by an Israeli soldier in the occupied West Bank has spoken publicly about their loss, describing the incident as devastating and unjust.
The infant, identified as Sam Abu Haikal, was fatally shot near Hebron earlier this month while travelling in a vehicle with his parents and grandmother. His father, Fahd Abu Haikal, said the child was in his mother’s arms at the time of the incident.
Speaking after the burial, the grieving father recalled holding his son earlier in the day before the shooting occurred.
“I held him in the morning; he was laughing and warm. Then evening came and I held him but his body was cold,” he said, describing the moment he was informed of his child’s death.
According to Abu Haikal, the family was driving slowly when they encountered an armed soldier. He alleged that the soldier opened fire on their vehicle without warning. One of the bullets struck the car, killing the infant and injuring both parents.
The Israeli military initially stated that its forces had opened fire after perceiving a vehicle moving towards them during operational activity near Hebron. However, later footage reportedly reviewed by rights groups appeared to show the vehicle slowing down and posing no immediate threat.
The Israel Defence Forces said the incident is under investigation by military authorities and expressed regret over harm caused to civilians, adding that it takes such cases seriously.
Human rights organisation B’Tselem, which obtained video footage of the incident, said the recordings contradicted the military’s initial account, claiming the vehicle was not advancing toward soldiers at the time of the shooting.
The baby’s mother, who was also injured in the incident, later underwent surgery and was reportedly in shock upon learning of her son’s death.
Family members said the tragedy has compounded existing fears in the area, where they allege they have previously experienced settler-related violence and property damage.
The killing has drawn renewed attention to rising violence in the occupied West Bank, where humanitarian organisations report increasing civilian casualties, including children, amid ongoing military operations and clashes.
The family has called the incident a grave injustice and urged accountability, saying their son was an innocent child who posed no threat.
