A seven-month-old Palestinian infant was killed and his parents were wounded after Israeli forces opened fire on their vehicle in the occupied West Bank, according to Palestinian health officials. The incident is significant because it has intensified concerns over civilian safety in one of the territory’s most volatile areas. The shooting affected a Palestinian family traveling near Hebron on Friday evening.
The Palestinian Health Ministry identified the infant as Sam Fahd Abu Haikal and said he died at the scene. The ministry added that his parents suffered gunshot wounds and were taken for medical treatment. Health officials described their condition as moderate. The incident occurred in the Tel Rumeida area south of Hebron, a long-standing hotspot for tensions and violence.
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According to the child’s grandmother, the family was driving near Checkpoint 17 when they noticed Israeli military vehicles and soldiers ahead. She said they stopped the vehicle after seeing the troops in the distance. Moments later, shots were fired toward the car. The family initially believed the gunfire consisted of warning shots before realizing they had been struck.
The grandmother said a bullet hit the infant, passed through his face and head, and then struck his mother in the cheek. She added that the same bullet grazed the father’s finger. Meanwhile, the Israeli military said soldiers were conducting operational activity in the area when they perceived a vehicle accelerating toward them. According to the military, one soldier fired single shots at the approaching vehicle.
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The Israeli military said an initial inquiry found that the wounded individuals were uninvolved civilians. It confirmed that three Palestinians were injured and evacuated for medical treatment. The military added that the incident remains under review and that findings will be submitted to relevant authorities. Tel Rumeida has frequently witnessed clashes due to the presence of Israeli settlers living among Palestinian residents under heavy military protection.