7-Month-Old Palestinian Baby Killed by Israeli Soldier in Hebron; New Footage Challenges Military Account

HEBRON, West Bank (June 12, 2026) — A seven-month-old Palestinian infant, Sam Fahd Abu Haikal, was fatally shot in the head by an Israeli soldier while riding in his family’s car in the Tel Rumeida neighborhood of Hebron on June 5, 2026. His parents were also wounded in the incident, which has sparked widespread condemnation, demands for justice, and questions about the Israeli military’s account after newly released video footage appeared to contradict initial claims.

According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health and family statements, the Abu Haikal family — father Fahd Abu Haikal (a lecturer at Bethlehem University), mother Dania (also referred to as Daniyah), their 11-year-old son, the infant Sam, and the grandmother — were driving home from a family visit in the evening. As they approached an area with Israeli soldiers in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron, the vehicle slowed or came to a near stop. An Israeli soldier then fired a single shot from approximately 10 meters away. The bullet passed through the father’s hand or arm before striking baby Sam in the head while he was in his mother’s arms in the back seat.

Sam was pronounced dead shortly afterward. His parents sustained what were described as light injuries; the mother was hospitalized. The family reportedly had to seek medical help themselves after the soldiers withdrew without providing assistance. The infant’s funeral was held the following day, Saturday, June 6, in Hebron.

Disputed Accounts and New Footage

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) initially stated that troops perceived the vehicle as accelerating toward them and fired a single shot in response. The military expressed sorrow over the harm to civilians and said it was investigating the incident, including through a military police probe.

However, footage released around June 9–10, 2026, by the Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem appears to show the family’s car slowing to a stop or near halt near the soldiers, contradicting the claim of it accelerating. B’Tselem stated that the car “was far from the soldiers and posed no danger to them whatsoever” and that the soldier fired as the vehicle was slowing. Additional video from the scene shows the father immediately after the shooting.

Fahd Abu Haikal has publicly recounted the events, stating at his son’s funeral that “the car was completely stationary when he shot at us; it wasn’t moving at all” and that “the soldier opened fire, then pulled back his unit and just walked away without a single word or a second thought.” The family has vowed to pursue all legal avenues for justice.

The incident has drawn international media attention and criticism. It marks Sam as at least the 13th child reportedly killed by Israeli security forces in recent tracking by groups like B’Tselem. Human rights organizations and Palestinian officials have highlighted it amid broader tensions in the West Bank, where clashes and military operations have continued.Israeli authorities have not released further public updates on the investigation as of June 12. The military has acknowledged reviewing the new footage. No charges or disciplinary actions have been announced.

The Abu Haikal family continues to call for accountability. Coverage from outlets including Al Jazeera, CNN, The Guardian, Reuters, and others has amplified the story, with video of the shooting moment and family statements circulating widely.

This remains a developing story. Investigations by Israeli authorities are ongoing, and the family is seeking justice through legal channels. The incident underscores the human cost of ongoing conflict in the occupied West Bank.

7-Month-Old Baby Sam Abu Haikal Killed by Israeli Soldier in Hebron; New Footage Contradicts IDF Account

Seven-month-old Palestinian infant Sam Fahd Abu Haikal was shot dead by an Israeli soldier in Hebron’s Tel Rumeida on June 5, 2026. Parents wounded; new B’Tselem footage shows car slowing, challenging military claims of acceleration. Family demands justice as investigation continues.

17GEN4.com