Israeli troops killed a seven-month-old Palestinian baby in the occupied West Bank, according to The Guardian. The incident occurred on May 27, 2026, when soldiers opened fire on a family vehicle in Hebron, injuring the baby and one parent.
What happened
Israeli soldiers opened fire on a car carrying Sam Fahd Abu Haikal, his parents, and siblings in the Tel Rumeida area of Hebron. The seven-month-old infant sustained critical injuries and later died after being evacuated to a hospital. The parents were also injured during the incident.[1]
The Israeli military claimed the troops fired at a vehicle they believed was approaching at high speed. However, an initial inquiry revealed that those injured were indeed uninvolved civilians. In an interview with Haaretz, Sam’s father, Fahd Abu Haikal, stated,
“A bullet passed through his hand and struck his son, Sam, who was being held by his mother in the back seat.”
Abu Haikal explained that the family had complied with a soldier’s order to stop. He added, “The soldier signalled me to stop. I brought the car to a complete halt and raised my hands on the steering wheel. Immediately afterwards, they opened fire on the vehicle.” The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged that soldiers perceived a vehicle accelerating toward them but later expressed sorrow for the harm caused to civilians.[2]
Why it matters
The shooting of Sam Fahd Abu Haikal raises significant concerns about the use of force by Israeli troops in civilian areas. The incident exemplifies ongoing tensions in the region, with numerous civilian casualties reported over recent months. Such events often exacerbate public outrage and deepen distrust between communities.
Background
On March 15, 2026, a similar incident occurred in Tamoun, where Israeli troops killed a Palestinian couple and two of their children while driving through the village. Human rights groups have raised concerns about military conduct during operations in civilian contexts, noting patterns of violence against families.
According to the UN, more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since the onset of recent conflicts, underscoring a troubling trend impacting civilian lives.
What’s next
An investigation into the shooting of Sam Fahd Abu Haikal has been initiated, with Abu Haikal calling for accountability for the soldier involved. Further developments in this case and potential military reviews are anticipated in the coming weeks.
