Father of baby killed by Israeli forces in West Bank recounts shooting

Sam Abu Haikal had just turned seven months old when he was killed by Israeli troops in the occupied West Bank. Subscribe ► youtube.com
The killing of the baby sparked outrage after soldiers opened fire on the family’s vehicle despite it having complied with an order to stop. Sam was killed and his parents were injured. This week, footage obtained by the Israeli Information Center for Human Rights emerged showing the moment the family’s car was stopped. The video has no sound, and it remains unclear exactly when the soldier opened fire on the vehicle. The Israel Defense Forces said its troops had “perceived a vehicle accelerating toward them” and that one of its soldiers had “responded with single shots toward the vehicle”. Sam’s father, Fahed Abu Haikal, recounted the shooting. “We stopped immediately after the occupation presence arrived. Straight away, a soldier who was holding his weapon opened fire on us. Immediately, I raised my hands, to show that I do not have anything, and that there are children around me.” Fahed paid tribute to his son. “He smiles at you, whoever you are, and would engage with anyone.” #westbank #palestine #idf #israel #middleeast