On May 16th, 2025, reports emerged of an incident at sea west of Gaza City in which two fishermen were reportedly attacked by alleged Israeli naval activity involving live fire and missiles. The men were later identified as the missing 26-year-old Hassan Muhammad Abu Odeh and deceased 36-year-old Rami Ibrahim al-Najjar.

According to Facebook posts by local source Zakaria Baker, search operations were ongoing that morning after both men were declared missing at sea. A follow-up post named the individuals and noted that efforts to locate them continued.

Later that day, multiple tributes circulated mourning Rami Ibrahim al-Najjar, also known as Abu al-Walid. A relative wrote on Facebook: “We belong to God and to Him we shall return. My cousin Rami Ibrahim al-Najjar was martyred.” Others referred to him as a “martyr” and offered condolences. His death has therefore been recorded by Airwars as confirmed.

A Facebook post by Mohamed El Masry noted that the two fishermen had been missing at sea for four days and called on the public to assist with any leads. While there was no local source found announcing the death of Hassan Muhammad Abu Odeh, his name was found, along with Rami’s name, among the Palestinian Ministry of Health list of fatalities released June 23, 2025. Therefore, both men have been counted as killed.

The incident reportedly involved naval fire, and sources described the use of bullets and missiles.

Where sources indicated a belligerent, all pointed to the Israeli military.