‘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 7-Month-Old Killed by Israeli Soldier
It s not by mistake - A 7-month-old Palestinian infant, Sam Abu Haikal, was killed by an Israeli soldier in a tragic incident that has sparked outrage and a call for accountability. The family insists the shooting was deliberate, not an accident, as they mourn the loss of their son. “It’s not by mistake,” said Fahd Abu Haikal, the father, after witnessing the moment the bullet struck his child. The event occurred on June 5 in Hebron, Palestine, during a routine drive with his family, leaving the parents and community in disbelief as the infant died instantly.
Sequence of Events and Family Testimony
Fahd described the scene with chilling clarity: his car slowed near Israeli soldiers, only for one of them to fire at point-blank range. The bullet pierced the windshield, grazing the steering wheel and his finger before striking Sam’s head. The video, captured by B’Tselem and shared with CNN, shows the precise moment the shot was fired, with no indication of a warning before the fatal impact. The footage, though silent, conveys the despair of the family as they desperately tried to rescue their son. “We were just driving, and then it happened,” Fahd said, emphasizing the sense of inevitability in the tragedy.
"I just wanted to take him to the hospital," Fahd recounted. "But once the bullet hit, there was no hope. It wasn’t an accident—it was a direct shot."
Witness Confirmation and New Evidence
The family’s account is supported by their own testimony and newly released video footage. Both Fahd and his mother, Feryal Abu Haikal, confirmed the car had come to a stop before the shooting, with the soldier positioned just 30 feet away. They identified the soldier in the video, which contradicts the Israeli military’s claim that the vehicle was approaching before the shots were fired. Local residents reported that Israeli forces returned to the area after the incident and confiscated CCTV footage, raising concerns about the transparency of the investigation. “We expect they would say, ‘go out, return, or shoot in the air to let us pass,’” Feryal said. “But they just shot him.”
"They didn’t do anything to warn us—only to kill," Feryal added. "This wasn’t a mistake. It was a targeted act."
Medical Impact and Family Trauma
Sam’s mother, Dania Abu Haikal, suffered severe injuries from the same bullet that killed her son. The projectile entered her right cheek and exited behind her ear, while shrapnel remained lodged in her chest near the heart. Doctors opted against surgery to avoid further complications, leaving her in constant pain. The emotional toll of the incident has been profound, with Dania relying on a breast pump to feed Sam now, a daily ritual that fills her with tears. “I was breastfeeding him,” she said, her voice breaking. “Now, my chest hurts every time I try to hold him.”
"I feel like I’ve lost two parts of me in one day," Dania said, her words echoing the collective grief of the family and community.
Investigation and Community Concerns
Following the incident, the Israeli military initiated an investigation into the shooting. However, local business owners and residents claim the soldiers returned to the area afterward, removing all available CCTV recordings. CNN was unable to recover additional footage despite accessing multiple cameras at the scene, fueling suspicions of a cover-up. Fahd, though cooperating with the inquiry, remains adamant that the shooting was intentional. “When you aim at a child and shoot them directly, it’s not by mistake,” he said. “This was a calculated act.”
Broader Implications and Calls for Accountability
The incident has reignited debates about the use of force by Israeli soldiers in civilian areas. Human rights organizations have criticized the military’s response, arguing that the video evidence clearly shows the shooting was not an accident. Sam’s death has become a symbol of the ongoing conflict’s human cost, with his family urging for a thorough review of the circumstances. “We want justice for Sam,” Fahd said. “We want to know why he was shot and who is responsible.” The family’s determination to seek answers underscores the emotional and legal weight of the tragedy, which has resonated deeply with the Palestinian community.
"This isn’t just about one child—it’s about the lives lost and the trust broken," Fahd added. "It’s not by mistake. It’s a call for justice."