RAMALLAH, June 10, 2026 (WAFA) – A new video footage released by the Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem shows the moment an Israeli soldier killed seven-month-old Sam Abu Haikal in his mother's arms in Hebron four days ago.
According to B’Tselem, the footage shows Israeli soldiers opening fire on the Abu Haikal family's vehicle as it slowed down in preparation to stop near a military position. The organization said the vehicle was at a distance from the soldiers and did not pose a threat.
Video of the killing of baby Sam Abu Haikal by an Israeli soldier
The video also shows the father holding the child and trying to stop the bleeding from his head, according to the organization.
The child's mother, who was also injured by the gunfire while holding her son, can be seen sitting on the road next to the family's car.
B'Tselem reported, "Last Friday, June 5, an Israeli soldier opened fire on a Palestinian family returning from a family visit as they drove through the Tel Rumeida neighborhood of Hebron."
"The shooting occurred after the father, who was driving, noticed soldiers standing in the road and slowed down."
Seven-month-old Sam, who was in his mother's arms in the back seat, was shot in the head and pronounced dead shortly afterward. Sam's parents, who are still hospitalized, were also wounded by gunfire.
The report added, "After the shooting, the soldier who fired the shot and another soldier who was with him left the scene without searching the vehicle or offering any assistance to the critically wounded child and his mother."
B'Tselem concluded, "In the past two and a half years, Israel has killed more than 20,000 children in Gaza and the West Bank."
“The impunity granted to soldiers and colonists by the Israeli system has led to a daily reality where the killing of Palestinians in any form is supported and justified by the system, even when it involves a seven-month-old baby.”
For her part, B’Tselem director Yuli Novak, commenting on the killing of the infant Abu Haikal, said, according to the statement, that “the impunity the international community provides to Israel has led to a situation where Palestinian lives have become completely expendable.”
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