Footage Shows Israeli Soldier Shooting 7-Month-Old Baby in West Bank

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A 7-month-old Palestinian infant was fatally shot by Israeli military forces in Hebron on Tuesday, according to multiple news outlets and human rights organizations. Video footage obtained by The Guardian shows the family’s car slowing before Israeli soldiers opened fire, killing Sam Abu Haikal. The incident has sparked international condemnation and renewed scrutiny of military operations in the West Bank.

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The Guardian reported that the video, which was shared by local activists, depicts the car traveling on a road in Hebron’s H2 area when Israeli soldiers approached and fired multiple shots. B’Tselem, an Israeli human rights group, confirmed the death of Sam Abu Haikal, stating that the child was not armed and posed no threat. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have not issued a public statement on the incident as of Thursday.

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The footage, described by Haaretz as “gruesome,” shows the car coming to a stop before soldiers in military gear surround it. A man identified as the infant’s father, Fawzi Abu Haikal, was seen cradling the child’s body as Israeli troops stood nearby. “They shot him while he was in my arms,” Fawzi Abu Haikal told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. “They did not give me a chance to move.”

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Australian Broadcasting Corporation
Haaretz

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B’Tselem’s investigation into the shooting concluded that the IDF violated international humanitarian law by using excessive force. The organization cited witness accounts and the video evidence to argue that the soldiers had no legitimate military objective in targeting the vehicle. “The child was not a combatant, and there was no indication of an imminent threat,” said a B’Tselem spokesperson.

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B’Tselem

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CNN reported that the incident occurred during a routine military operation in the West Bank, though the IDF has not provided details about the mission’s purpose. Local Palestinian officials accused the military of intentionally targeting civilians, while Israeli officials have not commented on the specific circumstances. The United Nations called for an independent investigation into the killing, stating that “such incidents must be thoroughly examined to prevent future violations.”

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CNN

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What do the sources say about the military’s actions?
According to The Guardian, the video shows the car slowing to a crawl before the soldiers opened fire. This detail contradicts initial IDF claims that the vehicle was moving at high speed, which would have justified the use of force under military regulations. However, the IDF has not directly addressed the video’s content.

The father’s account, as reported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, adds emotional weight to the incident. Fawzi Abu Haikal described the moment of the shooting as “a nightmare I will never escape.” He also alleged that Israeli soldiers fired without warning and did not provide medical assistance to his son.

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Australian Broadcasting Corporation
The Guardian

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How has the international community responded?
The European Union condemned the killing, with spokesperson Maja Kocijancic stating, “Such violence against children is unacceptable and must be investigated thoroughly.” Human Rights Watch also called for accountability, noting that the incident “highlights the urgent need for greater oversight of military conduct in occupied territories.”

In contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office did not directly address the case but reiterated that the IDF operates “within strict rules of engagement to protect civilians.”

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European Union statement
Human Rights Watch

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What is the broader context of violence in Hebron?
Hebron, a city in the West Bank, has long been a flashpoint for tensions between Israeli forces and Palestinian residents. The area is divided into H1, under Palestinian administrative control, and H2, where Israeli settlers and military presence are significant. B’Tselem reported that 2019 was the deadliest year for Palestinians in the West Bank, with 232 deaths, including 32 children.

The killing of Sam Abu Haikal has drawn comparisons to other incidents in the region, such as the 2021 death of 16-year-old Nadeem Nu’airat, who was shot by Israeli forces while allegedly throwing stones. In that case, the IDF also claimed the victim posed a threat, though investigations later found no evidence of an immediate danger.

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B’Tselem report
Haaretz

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What are the next steps?
The Palestinian Health Ministry has called for an independent inquiry, while B’Tselem has urged the Israeli government to halt operations in the area until the investigation concludes. The IDF has not announced any immediate changes to its activities in He