Jun 07, Kathmandu - A 7-month-old Palestinian baby was killed and his parents were injured when Israeli forces opened fire on a vehicle near the Hebron area of ​​the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian territory.

The Palestinian Health Ministry reported the incident.

According to the ministry, the baby died at the scene from a gunshot wound to the face. The injured father and mother are receiving treatment. The mother is said to be in critical condition.

The Israeli army said its soldiers opened fire on a vehicle that appeared to be speeding towards them. Initial military investigations indicated that all three of the injured were civilians and had no involvement.

The baby’s father, a university professor, said the family was travelling in a vehicle when the gunfire suddenly broke out. He said one of the bullets pierced the windshield and hit his hand, reaching the baby in the back seat. The baby suffered serious facial injuries.

The baby’s mother was also injured in the incident. Doctors say the shrapnel is lodged near his heart and his condition is critical.

Family members say they stopped their vehicle after seeing soldiers and military vehicles in the distance as they approached a military checkpoint. They initially thought the gunshots were a warning, but within moments, a serious accident occurred.

The baby's death has shocked the local community. His body was draped in a Palestinian flag during the funeral. The family has called for an impartial investigation and justice for the incident.

Since the war in Gaza began in October 2023, various human rights organizations have reported a significant increase in Israeli military operations and violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.