The Israeli army has initiated a military police criminal investigation into the shooting that led to the death of 7-month-old Palestinian Sam Fahd Abu Haikal in the occupied West Bank. The statement noted that following a preliminary review, the case was referred to the Military Police Criminal Investigation Unit, and the findings will be forwarded to the Military Prosecutor's Office at the conclusion of the process.
According to the army's statement, the incident occurred on Friday when an Israeli soldier fired at the vehicle carrying the family. Officials acknowledged that a single bullet fired by the soldier struck and killed the infant and injured both the mother and father.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to the father, the incident took place near the Tel Rumeida area close to the city of Hebron in the West Bank. Fahd Abu Haikal said he stopped the vehicle upon seeing soldiers on the road, yet a soldier standing about 10 meters ahead fired through the front windshield.
Abu Haikal recounted that the bullet pierced the windshield, passed through his arm, then hit his baby’s head and his wife’s face. The family was injured in the attack, and the baby died.
Initial Assessment by the Israeli Army
In its initial statement on Friday, the Israeli army claimed the single shot was fired because soldiers believed the vehicle was advancing toward them. However, the latest statement confirmed the incident has now become a criminal investigation.
The army has not disclosed the identities of the soldiers involved or whether they remain on duty.
Ongoing Investigation
Once the military police complete their investigation, the findings will be submitted to the Military Prosecutor's Office. The inquiry is taking place amid growing international scrutiny over incidents causing civilian casualties in the West Bank.
The incident has reignited tensions in the Tel Rumeida area, raising renewed debate over civilian safety and the protocols governing soldiers’ use of live fire.
