Mohammad al-Halaq
Mohammad al-Halaq died from a gunshot wound to the pelvis after Israeli soldiers opened fire during an operation in the village of al-Rihiya on 16 October 2025. He was critically injured while playing football with friends near a schoolyard and was transported to a nearby hospital, where medical personnel attempted to save his life. He was later pronounced dead as a result of the injuries caused by the gunshot.
According to the information provided, Mohammad al-Halaq was outside playing football with other children near a local school in al-Rihiya when Israeli military vehicles entered the village. As the children fled in fear, Israeli soldiers opened fire. Witnesses stated that Mohammad did not pose a threat and was attempting to run away when he was struck by a bullet in the pelvis. He was rushed by car to a nearby hospital, where doctors attempted emergency treatment and surgery. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries. The Israeli military stated that troops had responded to confrontations involving rock-throwing, while Israeli media later reported that a preliminary military inquiry found the shooting had deviated from the rules of engagement and involved improper use of weapons and crowd-control measures.
Biography
Mohammad al-Halaq was a Palestinian child from the village of al-Rihiya, south of Hebron, in the occupied West Bank. He was a fourth-grade student who was known by his family and teachers as a cheerful, kind-hearted, and academically successful boy. He enjoyed playing football, watching and catching birds, and spending time with his friends and siblings. His mother recalled that he often spoke about becoming a heart doctor when he grew up. Shortly before his death, he had proudly received a new school backpack, which he was excited to use after the weekend. His life was cut short after he was fatally wounded during an Israeli military operation in his village.
Mohammad al-Halaq was a young Palestinian boy who lived with his family in the village of al-Rihiya, located south of Hebron in the occupied West Bank. He attended primary school as a fourth-grade student and was remembered by relatives and classmates as a bright, energetic, and affectionate child. He excelled in his studies, consistently earning excellent grades, and was admired for his curiosity and love of learning. Outside the classroom, he enjoyed playing football, observing birds, exploring nature, and sharing simple moments with friends and family. On the day of his death, he proudly returned home carrying a new school backpack, arranged his books inside it, and looked forward to using it after the weekend. He also shared food with classmates and spent time watching birds before going to play football. His mother remembered that he dreamed of becoming a heart doctor, reflecting both his compassion and youthful ambitions. His death deeply affected his family, classmates, and the wider community, who mourned the loss of a child whose future was filled with hopes and aspirations.
Pleas of Surviving Relatives and Family if any
Mohammad's mother, Alia al-Halaq, spoke emotionally about the devastating loss of her son, describing him as a loving child who dreamed of becoming a heart doctor. She recalled his excitement over his new school backpack and the joy he found in simple activities such as watching birds. After learning of his death, she said, "Muhammad was gone, and with him, everything good." His family has called for accountability and justice regarding the circumstances of his killing, while continuing to mourn the loss of a child they described as gentle, intelligent, and full of promise.
Additional Information
Mohammad al-Halaq died from a gunshot wound to the pelvis after Israeli soldiers opened fire during an operation in the village of al-Rihiya on 16 October 2025. He was critically injured while playing football with friends near a schoolyard and was transported to a nearby hospital, where medical personnel attempted to save his life. He was later pronounced dead as a result of the injuries caused by the gunshot.
Sources & References
Ten-year-old Palestinian boy shot dead by Israeli forces in West Bank1 bbc.com Open source
‘They killed his childhood’: West Bank family mourn child killed by Israel2 aljazeera.com Open source
How children in West Bank are being killed by Israel ‘without accountability’3 theguardian.com Open source