Military police in Israel have opened a criminal investigation into the death of a Palestinian baby who was shot and killed by an Israeli soldier in the West Bank on Friday.
Seven-month-old Sam Fahd Abu Haikal died when a soldier fired at the family’s vehicle, also injuring both of his parents. Israeli military officials confirmed the incident occurred in the occupied territory.
“Based on the findings of the preliminary examination, it was decided to open an investigation by the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division,” Israel’s military said.
“Upon its conclusion, the findings will be transferred to the Military Advocate General’s Office,” it said in a statement.
Military officials initially stated Friday that a soldier had discharged one round at a car that troops thought was speeding toward their position.
However, the infant’s father, Fahd Abu Haikal, provided a different account of events. He was behind the wheel in the Tel Rumeida area near the West Bank city of Hebron when he encountered soldiers on the roadway.
“The bullet penetrated the front windshield, went through my arm, and then struck my son in the head and my wife in the face,” Fahd told reporters on Saturday.
According to the father, he had brought his vehicle to a stop upon seeing the troops, and a soldier positioned about 10 meters ahead fired through the windscreen after the car had already halted.
Military authorities have not released the identities of any soldiers who were at the scene, and have not disclosed whether they remain on active duty.
