Conflict

Israel and Gaza 2021

Incident Code

PALIS018

Location

عسقلان, אשקלון, Ashkelon, Southern, Israel

Geolocation

31.666667, 34.566667
Accuracy: City

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

(Previous Incident Code: PALIS017)

Several rockets fired allegedly by Al-Qassam Brigades hit the Israeli city of Ashkelon, according to multiple sources, injuring at least two civilians.

One rocket directly hit and penetrated the lower floors of a seven story building. An unnamed adult male victim, reported by different sources to be either 57 or 60, was seriously injured in the attack, sustaining a shrapnel wound to his stomach. Several sources indicated that he was a resident of the stricken building.

According to Haaretz, a 90 year old civilian also reportedly sustained a light injury to their head, which Ashkelonim News reported happened on their way to a bomb shelter or protected area, though it was unclear if this preceded or was during the event itself.

Both of the injured were taken to Barzilai hospital, where the seriously injured man received surgery. Arabic RT news reported that the Al-Qassam Brigades confirmed that they had launched multiple rockets towards Ashkelon on this date. Reports suggested that as many as 168 rockets were fired at the city that day.

Whilst a number of sources claimed the incident occurred Thursday evening, one claimed it occurred just after 2pm.

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Strike Type
Artillery
Strike Status
Declared strike
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Fair
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Civilians reported injured
1–2
1 Man

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention a residential building being struck in the city of Ashkelon (אשקלון). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Ashkelon are: 31.666667 34.566667.

Military Statements

Palestinian Militants Assessment
Known belligerent
Palestinian Militants
Palestinian Militants position on incident
Not yet assessed

Media from Sources (6)