A heartbreaking incident unfolded in the West Bank on Friday when a 7-month-old Palestinian infant, Sam Fahd Abu Haykal, was killed by Israeli soldiers. The tragic event occurred near the city of Hebron, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

The infant was in a vehicle with his parents when an Israeli soldier opened fire, resulting in the child’s death and injuries to both parents. The boy’s grandmother, Firyal Abu Haykal, expressed disbelief and sorrow, stating, “The incident is unbelievable and unacceptable. We are being harmed just because we decided to stay at our homes.”

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that soldiers perceived a vehicle accelerating toward them, prompting a soldier to fire a single shot. The IDF acknowledged that the individuals in the vehicle were uninvolved civilians and stated that the incident is under review.

This tragic event is not isolated, as similar incidents have occurred in the region. In March, four members of a Palestinian family, including two young boys, were shot dead by Israeli soldiers during a late-night drive after breaking their Ramadan fast.

Ongoing Tensions in the Region

The West Bank has been a focal point of longstanding tensions between Israelis and Palestinians, with incidents like these exacerbating the situation. The IDF’s review of the incident is awaited by many, as it may impact future military engagements and civilian safety in the region.

This story is developing, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.