A three-month-old Palestinian baby was killed by Israeli gunfire in the West Bank on Wednesday, her father said, as the civilian death toll from months of violence continues to rise. The infant, named Layan, died after being shot in the chest while travelling with her family near the town of Beit Furik, south of Nablus. Her father, Ahmad Hamad, told reporters that Israeli soldiers fired at their car without warning, killing his daughter instantly. The Israeli military said it was investigating the incident, which it described as a “tragic outcome” of an operation to arrest a suspected militant. Hamad denied any connection to militant activity, saying they were simply returning home.
Layan’s death brings the number of Palestinian children killed by Israeli forces since January to at least 16, according to the United Nations. The overall civilian toll has mounted sharply in recent weeks, with more than 100 Palestinians killed and dozens wounded during raids and protests across the occupied territories. The escalation has drawn international condemnation, with the European Union calling for an immediate de-escalation and urging both sides to protect civilians.
For families like the Hamads, the loss is devastating and the question of justice remains distant. “She was just a baby,” Ahmad said, weeping. “She had her whole life ahead of her. Now there is nothing.” The incident has sparked protests in Nablus, with hundreds gathering to denounce the killing and call for an end to what they describe as systematic violence against civilians.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials defend their actions as necessary for security, pointing to a rise in Palestinian attacks. But critics argue that the use of live fire in civilian areas is disproportionate and violates international law. The UN has called for an independent inquiry into Layan’s death, but previous investigations have rarely led to prosecutions.
Layan’s body was buried on Wednesday evening in a cemetery near her home. She was wrapped in a white shroud stained with blood. Her mother, who was in the car during the shooting, was treated for shock. The family now faces not only grief but also the prospect of seeking legal recourse in a system that often falls short.
As the cycle of violence continues, ordinary people like the Hamads bear the heaviest cost. For them, there is no side to choose, only the constant threat of losing what is most precious.
