ISPT0392b – October 20, 2023

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

In the early morning of Friday, October 20th, 2023, alleged Israeli airstrikes hit two civilian homes owned by the al-Ghalban family in the Ma’an area, east of Khan Younis, south of the Gaza Strip, reportedly killing Hussein Muhammad al-Ghalban Abu Riyad’s grandson, and inflicting injuries of various degrees on the other 12 members of his family.

According to a Facebook post by the Association of the al-Ghalban Family’s Sons, some of the victims were still undergoing treatment in the hospital, while others had returned after receiving first aid. This post, along with another from Families of Ma’an and eastern Khan Younis, featured pictures documenting the ‘massive destruction’ resulting from the bombardment. No further details were available regarding the identity of the civilians or their current condition.

Where sources identified the belligerent, all sources attributed the strikes to Israeli forces.

Victims

Individuals

Hussein Muhammad al-Ghalban Abu Riyad’s grandson حسين محمد الغلبان ابو رياض حفيد

male killed

Key Information

Country

Palestinian territories

Military Actor

Israeli Military

Strike Type

Airstrike

Strike Status

Likely strike

Civilian Harm Reported

Yes

Civilian Harm Status

Fair

Causes of Death / Injury

Heavy weapons and explosive munitions

Civilians reported killed

Civilians reported injured

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention the area of Ma’an (معان) to the east of Khan Younis (خان يونس). Analysing audio-visual material from sources, we have narrowed the location down to the following exact coordinates: 31.333718, 34.316637.

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