Conflict

Israel and Gaza 2021

Incident Code

PALIS002

Location

النقب الغربي, שער הנגב, Western Negev, Southern, Israel

Geolocation

31.258889, 34.799722
Accuracy: Subdistrict

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

(Previous Incident Code: PALIS001a)

A missile, allegedly fired from Gaza, struck an ambulance injuring the driver in the Western Negev region of Israel on May 10th 2021, according to local reports.

The Magen David Adom medical service, which operates the ambulance, said the vehicle was struck by a rocket whilst traveling to attend to a call. The driver was treated by his colleagues for mild injuries and taken to Soroka Hospital, according to the source.

Israeli media outlet I24 described the munition as an “anti-tank projectile” and reported that the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad had claimed responsibility for the strike.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Hamas had claimed responsibility for the attack saying it was “in retaliation to [Israel’s] crimes and aggression on the holy city and brutality against our people in Sheikh Jarrah and Al Aqsa Mosque.” According to the source a spokesman for the group, Abu Obeida, said it would step up its attacks if Israel ramps up theirs. However, it is unclear if Hamas was specifically referring to this incident as they only referenced targeting Jerusalem.

A video, posted to the Magen David Adom Twitter account, shows one of its vehicles with a broken window. According to the source, the strike took place between the hours of 19:00 and 22:30.

 

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Strike Type
Artillery
Strike Status
Likely strike
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Fair
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Civilians reported injured
1
1 Man

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention an ambulance being struck in the Western Negev (النقب الغربي) area, potentially in vicinity of Beersheba () city where Soroka hospital is located. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Beersheba are: 31.258889, 34.799722.

Military Statements

Unknown Assessment
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Unknown position on incident
Not yet assessed