HEBRON — An Israeli soldier shot and killed Fahd Abu Haikal's infant son near the city of Hebron in the West Bank earlier this month. Video evidence and eyewitness accounts indicate the vehicle came to a complete stop before the shooting.

Haikal was driving his 80-year-old mother, Ferial Abu Haikal, home from a family visit when the incident occurred. His wife, Dania Salameh, was holding their infant in the back seat. Haikal stated he was driving at a slow speed when he saw an Israeli soldier pointing a weapon at the vehicle. "I stopped immediately, and he opened fire on the vehicle without any warning or justification." Haikal said. A bullet struck Haikal's hand before entering his son's head. Salameh sustained injuries during the shooting.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) initially stated that troops perceived the vehicle accelerating toward them during operational activity near Hebron. The IDF also stated that one soldier fired several shots at the vehicle and that three Palestinians were injured and evacuated for medical treatment. B'Tselem obtained video footage showing the vehicle coming to a complete stop before reaching the soldiers.

Haikal buried his infant son seven months after the child's birth. "I held him in the morning; he was laughing and warm. Then evening came and I held him but his body was cold." Haikal said. The family delayed informing Salameh of their son's death due to her medical condition.

Haikal stated his wife was hospitalized and underwent surgery on her jaw and chest. Haikal stated his wife experienced shock upon learning of their son's death. Ferial Abu Haikal and Haikal's 11-year-old son, Hilal, survived the incident without physical injury.

The IDF announced on Thursday that the incident is under investigation by the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division. The IDF stated it views the matter with gravity and regrets harm caused to uninvolved individuals.