‘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 Tragedy

It s not by mistake – On June 5, 2026, a shocking incident in Hebron, the West Bank, left a 7-month-old infant, Sam Abu Haikal, dead after being shot by an Israeli soldier. The family insists that the attack was intentional, stating, “It’s not by mistake.” Fahd Abu Haikal, the father, recounted the moment as he and his wife, Dania, were driving when they spotted soldiers ahead. As the car slowed to a stop, a bullet shattered the windshield, striking Fahd’s finger and fatally wounding their son. The tragedy has sparked a call for accountability, with the family urging the authorities to investigate thoroughly and seek justice for their loss.

Testimony and Evidence of the Shooting

Fahd’s account, shared with CNN shortly after the incident, suggests the shooting was a calculated act. “I wanted to go out and carry him to the hospital,” he said. “And there is … if you see this hit, there is no hope. No hope.” This statement, echoing the family’s belief that the event was not accidental, was corroborated by Dania, who added, “They tried to save him, they give him blood units, but they couldn’t do anything to save him. Nothing could be done.” The couple’s anguish is palpable, as they strive to protect their child from further harm while grappling with the reality of his death.

Two days later, B’Tselem, an Israeli human rights organization, released new footage that contradicts the military’s initial explanation. The video, obtained and shared with CNN, shows the Abu Haikal’s car decelerating as it approaches the soldiers, not speeding toward them. Although the recording lacks audio, the filmer confirmed the soldier fired as the car halted. Fahd and his mother, Feryal, identified the exact moment of the shooting while reviewing the footage with CNN. “We expect that they will say to us, ‘go out, return, you must return’ (or) shoot in the air to let us turn (around),” Feryal said. “But they didn’t do anything – only they shoot him.”

A Mother’s Double Sorrow

Sam’s mother, Dania, now faces a profound personal loss and physical suffering. A bullet that killed her son also struck her face, entering her right cheek and exiting behind her ear. Shrapnel remains lodged in her chest, dangerously close to her heart, prompting doctors to avoid surgery. The injury has not only caused her pain but also disrupted her ability to nurse her child. “I was breastfeeding him,” she said, adding, “Now, my chest is hurting me.”

Dania’s emotional struggle is compounded by the fact that Sam was her only child. Her phone’s camera roll, once filled with joyful photos and videos of her baby, now serves as a somber reminder of the tragedy. The mother’s voice, trembling with sorrow, underscores the deep connection between her motherhood and the grief she carries. “Every time I use this pump, I start crying,” she admitted, highlighting the emotional weight of her daily routine.

Discrepancies in the Military’s Account

The Israeli military initially described the incident as a defensive action, claiming soldiers perceived a vehicle accelerating toward them and responded with single shots. However, the new footage challenges this narrative, showing the car moving at a slow pace before the fatal shot. This contradiction has raised questions about the soldier’s intent, with the family insisting, “It’s not by mistake.”

Witnesses at the scene reported no immediate medical assistance from the soldiers, deepening the family’s despair. While the military’s investigation continues, Fahd remains determined to cooperate, believing justice is still within reach. “When you see something in front of you and aim at him and shoot him, it’s not by mistake,” he said. “He shoot (sic) directly to kill.” The family’s resolve underscores their demand for transparency and accountability in the face of this tragic event.

Community Impact and Ongoing Investigations

The shooting has shaken Hebron’s community, with friends and family gathering at the family’s mourning house in Bethlehem to offer support. The atmosphere is heavy with sorrow, as mourners file in and out, trying to comfort the inconsolable. For the Abu Haikals, Sam’s death is not only a personal tragedy but also part of a broader pattern of violence, according to B’Tselem’s report.

As the investigation unfolds, the family’s insistence that “It’s not by mistake” has become a rallying cry. Their story highlights the urgency for a thorough examination of the circumstances, ensuring that the truth is uncovered and that justice is served. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the need for accountability in such moments.