7-Month-Old Baby Killed In Israeli Army Firing, Father Says 'I Did Everything They Asked'

Tel Aviv/Hebron: A firing in the West Bank has once again raised questions about the Israel-Palestine conflict. Seven-month-old baby Sam Fahd Abu Haikal was killed and his parents were injured when a Palestinian family's car was fired upon near Hebron. The family alleges that they had stopped the vehicle on the orders of the soldiers, but despite this bullets were fired. After the incident, both anger and grief were seen in the area.

Had the family gone out to meet relatives?

According to the family, they were going from Bethlehem to Hebron. Soldiers were deployed near Tel Rumayida area on the way. Then the vehicle received a signal to stop. The family says that the driver immediately stopped the car, but after a few moments gunshots were heard and the car came on target.

How did the picture change in a few seconds?

The child's father Fahad Abu Haikal says that he had raised his hands after stopping the vehicle. He claims that it was clearly visible to the soldiers that a family was traveling in the car. Despite this the firing took place. According to him, the first bullet hit his hand and after that there was chaos inside the car.

Have both mother and son became victims of bullets?

According to the family, the mother and seven-month-old child sitting in the back seat also got hit by the firing. The child suffered serious injuries on his face. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, but the doctors could not succeed in saving him. As soon as the news of death was received in the hospital, there was mourning among the family members.

Why did the father express surprise?

Fahad Abu Haikal says that there was very little distance between the soldier and his car. He claims that it was broad daylight and all the occupants inside the vehicle were clearly visible. In such a situation, they are not able to understand on what basis the soldiers felt the threat.

What does the army claim say?

The Israeli Defense Force has started an investigation into the incident. The Army says that the soldiers present on the spot felt that a vehicle was moving rapidly towards them. Due to this apprehension the bullet was fired. However, initial investigation has also revealed that the injured people were civilians and had no connection with any violent activity.

Has demand for accountability risen after death?

After the death of the child, the family has demanded action against the soldiers responsible. He says that if the vehicle had already stopped then why was there a need to open fire. Local people and human rights organizations have also raised the demand for an impartial investigation.