Israeli Troops Shoot Dead Palestinian Baby as Family’s Car Slows
shows family s car slowing before – New video footage has emerged showing a Palestinian baby being shot dead by Israeli soldiers as the family’s car slowed to a stop near a military checkpoint in the occupied West Bank. The clip, which has been widely shared online, challenges the Israeli Defense Forces’ (IDF) claim that the vehicle was moving forward at the time of the attack. The incident, which took place on June 10, 2026, has intensified scrutiny of the military’s actions, with the footage suggesting a lack of provocation from the family. The car was reportedly moving slowly, indicating the family was compliant with the checkpoint protocol before the shooting began.
Family’s Account Contradicts Military Claims
Fahed Abu Haikal, the father, described the events in a statement to Hareetz, asserting that the car had come to a complete halt before the soldiers fired. “I stopped the car as instructed, raised my hands, and waited for the soldiers to pass. Then, without warning, they opened fire,” he said. The video captures the moment the bullet struck Sam Abu Haikal, a seven-month-old infant, in the head while he was cradled by his mother, Daniyah Abu Haikal. His father is seen frantically attempting to apply pressure to the wound, as the car comes to a standstill amid the chaos. The footage contradicts the IDF’s assertion that the vehicle was accelerating, further highlighting the discrepancy in narratives.
The family’s vehicle, which appears to be a civilian car, is shown decelerating and then stopping, with no visible signs of aggression or intent to flee. This aligns with Fahed’s account of the situation being calm and orderly. B’Tselem, an Israeli human rights organization, released the footage to emphasize the car’s slowing motion as evidence of the soldiers’ unwarranted use of force. “The footage clearly shows that the car was slowing to a stop when the shooting began,” the group stated in a press release, adding that the soldiers targeted the vehicle despite it posing no immediate threat.
Context of Palestinian Casualties in the West Bank
The incident has occurred in a context of escalating violence in the occupied West Bank, where Palestinian civilians have faced frequent targeted attacks by Israeli troops. According to the United Nations, over 1,000 Palestinians were killed in the region since the conflict with Hamas in Gaza resumed in October 2023. Among these casualties, 240 were children, making Sam Abu Haikal one of the youngest victims of such incidents. The UN has raised concerns about the proportionality of military actions, noting a pattern of civilian harm in areas like Hebron, where the family was traveling.
Hebron, a city with a history of clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians, has become a flashpoint for such incidents. The video’s release has drawn attention to the lack of clear checkpoint procedures, with the family’s car stopping abruptly without prior indication of a threat. Critics argue that the soldiers’ quick response to the car slowing may have been a calculated decision, underscoring the need for greater transparency in military operations. The footage has been shared by multiple media outlets, amplifying the call for accountability.
Legal consequences remain uncertain, as Yesh Din, an Israeli human rights group, pointed out that soldiers involved in such attacks are rarely held accountable. Between 2016 and 2024, less than 1% of 2,427 complaints led to indictments, according to their data. This systemic impunity has been a point of contention, with B’Tselem’s executive director, Yuli Novak, criticizing the military’s actions as disproportionate. “The shooting of a baby, even as the car slows, symbolizes the devaluation of Palestinian lives,” she said, drawing parallels to the broader conflict in Gaza.
International Response and Ongoing Investigations
The IDF has acknowledged the incident but maintains that the family’s car was accelerating at the time of the shooting. However, the new footage has prompted international calls for further investigation. Human rights organizations and media outlets have criticized the military’s initial account, emphasizing the importance of visual evidence in corroborating the family’s version of events. “The video shows family’s car slowing before the troops opened fire,” said one analyst, adding that the discrepancy in narratives could affect the global perception of the conflict.
As the investigation continues, the video has become a focal point for advocates seeking justice for Sam Abu Haikal. The footage, which lacks audio, provides a clear visual sequence of the car slowing, the soldiers raising their weapons, and the fatal shot. This has led to renewed debates about the use of force in civilian areas, with many questioning whether the soldiers acted in self-defense or with premeditation. The incident also highlights the role of technology in documenting and challenging military actions, as the video serves as a critical piece of evidence in an ongoing inquiry.
