‘It’s not by mistake’: A family demands justice after 7-month-old killed by Israeli soldier

It’s Not by Mistake: Palestinian Family Demands Justice After West Bank Shooting of 7-Month-Old

It s not by mistake – On June 5, a devastating incident unfolded in Hebron, the West Bank, when an Israeli soldier fired at a family traveling in a car, killing their 7-month-old son, Sam Abu Haikal. The family insists it was no accident, stating, “It’s not by mistake.” According to B’Tselem, an Israeli human rights group, this marks the 13th child killed by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank this year, with 236 child fatalities recorded since Hamas’s attack on Israel began on October 7, 2023.

Footage from the scene captures the moment of tragedy: Fahd Abu Haikal, the father, watches as a bullet strikes his infant son’s head, ending his life instantly. The video shows Fahd clutching his child’s body, his face etched with despair, as the cries of his wife and mother echo in the background. “I just wanted to take him to the hospital,” Fahd explained in an interview with CNN. “Once you see the bullet hit, there’s no hope. It’s not by mistake—there was no chance.”

Video Evidence Contradicts Military Narrative

“Nothing could be done. It was over.”

The Israeli military initially claimed the June 5 shooting occurred because the car was accelerating toward the soldiers. However, new video footage obtained by B’Tselem and shared with CNN reveals the opposite. The clip shows Fahd’s car slowing to a stop as it approaches the soldiers, suggesting the family was not in immediate danger. This challenges the military’s account, with both Fahd and his mother confirming the timing of the attack and identifying the same soldier, positioned just 30 feet away, as the one who fired the fatal shot. “He targeted him directly. It’s not by mistake,” Fahd emphasized.

Sam’s mother, Dania Abu Haikal, described the soldier’s actions as deliberate. “They tried to save him, they gave him blood units, but they couldn’t do anything,” she said. The bullet that killed Sam also wounded her, entering her right cheek and exiting behind her ear. Doctors opted against surgery to remove shrapnel fragments from her chest, which remain so close to her heart that even the slightest movement causes pain. “My chest hurts every time I think of him,” Dania said, her voice trembling. “It’s like he’s still inside me.”

Call for Accountability and Transparency

Hours after the shooting, Israeli forces returned to the scene and confiscated all CCTV recordings, according to local residents and business owners. CNN’s investigation identified multiple cameras along the street, but none captured the incident itself, raising concerns about the military’s transparency. While an inquiry has been launched, past investigations into similar incidents have rarely resulted in disciplinary action or criminal charges. Fahd, however, remains resolute, vowing to ensure justice for his son. “It’s not by mistake. They had the chance to stop, but they chose to shoot.”

The family’s emotional toll is compounded by the daily ritual of pumping breast milk, a task that now reminds Dania of her son’s absence. “Each time I use the pump, I start crying,” she said. Sam was her only child, and his mother’s phone is filled with photos and videos of his smiling face. “Now, my chest is hurting me,” she added, reflecting on the profound loss. Friends and family gather at the mourning house in Bethlehem, offering support but unable to erase the sense of helplessness that lingers in the air.

As the family mourns, the broader community also grapples with the aftermath. The incident has reignited debates about the safety of civilians during military operations. “It’s not by mistake,” Dania repeated, her words carrying the weight of grief and anger. The family’s demand for justice underscores the ongoing struggle for accountability in the region, where the line between defense and aggression continues to blur. Their story, captured in harrowing detail, serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict.

In the days following the shooting, the Abu Haikals have become symbols of the Palestinian cause, their pain echoing across the West Bank. As they seek answers, the focus remains on the soldier’s actions and the military’s response. “When you aim at someone and pull the trigger, it’s not by mistake,” Fahd said, his resolve unshaken. Their quest for justice highlights the need for transparency, accountability, and a deeper understanding of the circumstances that led to the loss of a young life.