videobeelden tonen stilstaande auto bij schietincident waarin baby sam omkwam
Gaza, donderdag, 11 juni 2026.
Nieuwe camerabeelden tonen een stilgestaande auto bij een Israëlische controlepost in Hebron. Daarbij werd baby Sam Abu Haikal, zeven maanden oud, doodgeschoten door een Israëlische soldaat. Het leger noemde de actie oorspronkelijk noodzakelijk vanwege een naderende dreiging. De beelden laten echter zien dat de auto remde en stilstond. Vader Fahd Abu Haikal, in zijn hand geraakt, hield zijn gewonde zoon vast terwijl omstanders probeerden te helpen. Soldaten grepen niet in. Het incident vond plaats op de bezette Westelijke Jordaanoever. Internationale kritiek groeit. Mensenrechtenorganisaties wijzen op systematisch gebrek aan verantwoording voor geweld tegen Palestijnen. De dood van Sam past in een patroon van steeds meer slachtoffers sinds oktober 2023.
video shows car stopped before shooting of baby sam
New footage obtained by human rights group B’Tselem shows the moments leading up to the fatal shooting of seven-month-old Sam Abu Haikal near Hebron on the occupied West Bank. The vehicle carrying the Palestinian family came to a complete halt at an improvised military checkpoint. Despite the lack of movement, an Israeli soldier opened fire. The father, Fahd Abu Haikal, stated he had fully stopped and placed his hands on the steering wheel when shots were fired [1]. The infant was struck in the face and died shortly after [4].
parents injured, soldiers did not provide aid
The gunfire wounded both parents during the incident. Fahd Abu Haikal was hit in the hand, while his wife Daniyah sustained injuries to her face [1]. Video evidence shows the aftermath, with the father cradling his dying child beside the stationary vehicle. B’Tselem confirmed that Israeli soldiers did not offer medical assistance [4]. Instead, bystanders rushed to help the victims while military personnel remained passive at the scene [1]. The lack of immediate care raises further concerns about conduct protocols [4].
army expresses sorrow amid growing scrutiny
The Israeli army responded by expressing it was “deeply saddened” by harm caused to uninvolved civilians [1]. A formal investigation has been launched by the military police into the actions of the shooter [1]. However, such investigations rarely lead to prosecution according to data from advocacy organization Yesh Din [4]. Between 2016 and 2024, less than 1 percent of complaints regarding misconduct resulted in charges being filed [4]. This pattern fuels accusations of systemic impunity [4].
broader pattern of violence since october 2023
Sam’s death fits into a wider trend of escalating fatalities among Palestinians on the West Bank and in East Jerusalem. Since October 2023, United Nations records indicate over 1,000 deaths, including at least 240 children [4]. Human rights groups stress these incidents reflect ongoing structural issues rather than isolated errors [1]. Director Yuli Novak of B’Tselem argues international leniency allows disregard for Palestinian lives under Israeli control [1]. The killing of infants intensifies calls for accountability [1].