A Palestinian infant was killed by Israeli gunfire in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, sources confirm. The child, aged just 18 months, was struck by a bullet during an Israeli military raid in the town of Beitunia, near Ramallah. Witnesses say soldiers opened fire on a vehicle carrying the family.
The British government has demanded a full and urgent investigation, with the Foreign Office stating that “the killing of a baby is a grave incident that must be thoroughly investigated.” Uncovered documents from the Israeli military show a pattern of disproportionate force in civilian areas. The Israeli Defence Forces claim the shooting was in response to a petrol bomb attack.
But local medics say no such attack occurred. This is the latest in a series of incidents where children have been killed by Israeli forces, raising serious questions about accountability. Britain’s call for an inquiry comes amid growing international pressure.
The UN has also condemned the killing. But critics say talk is cheap. The child’s father told reporters: “They took my daughter’s life.
What justice is there for her?” The answer, as ever, is buried under official statements and diplomatic niceties. The government must now follow through.
Anything less is complicity.
