Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

ISPT0464

Incident date

October 22, 2023

Location

منزل عائلة الغوطي في حي الجنينة, Al-Ghouti family home in the Al-Geneina neighborhood, Rafah, the Gaza Strip

Airwars assessment

On Sunday, October 22nd, 2023, in the Rafah Governorate, south of the Gaza Strip, an alleged daytime Israeli airstrike resulted in the death of three members of the Al-Ghouti family – two women and a child – at their home at Al-Geneina neighborhood. A number of others were wounded, including the husband and children of Dr. Hadeel Al-Jamal. An unknown female was also reported as being killed in the strike.

The casualties were reported as a five-year-old girl named Maria Muhammad Tayseer Al-Ghouti, a nine-year-old boy named Tayseer Muhammad Tayseer Al-Ghouti, and a woman named Hanaa Ziad Rizq Al-Ghouti. An image posted by Talat Barhoum showed an “unknown martyr from the bombing of Al-Ghouti” along with an ask if anyone knows her. It was unclear if she was later identified as one of the named deceased victims listed above.

In addition to the fatalities, it was reported by multiple sources (ShehabAgency, Gaza – Moment by Moment, Qudsn_Brk, and @K_a_p_s_o_l_a) that ¨dozens¨ more sustained injuries. Photographs taken from the scene by Mahmoud Bassem depicted a large civilian-led rescue effort with multiple casualties (mostly women and children) being lifted out of the destroyed home. Photos posted by Ismael Mohamad showed a woman being rescued from the rubble by paramedics – suggesting that official rescue teams made it to the scene to provide assistance.

The injured were swiftly transported to Abu Youssef Al-Najjar Hospital for treatment. In images posted by Ahmed Al-Hakim which were taken from inside the hospital, at least nine visibly distressed children can be seen receiving medical attention. News outlet Vetogate reported on the details of the chaotic scene, where one of the doctors, Hadeel Al-Jamal, was said to have collapsed upon hearing that her injured husband and children were victims of the blast and had arrived at the hospital in ambulances. She was heard asking for Adam, Basma, and Ahmed – her family members.

Alarabiya Palestine spoke with children from the Al-Ghouti family who described the moment of the strike: “We were playing and then we didn’t hear anything. Then came the knock.”

Official statements from the Ministry of the Interior of Gaza confirmed the incident, identifying the Al-Ghouti family in Rafah Governorate as the victims. An outpouring of grief on social media followed a post from the Al-Ghouti family council and youth group that confirmed the identities of their deceased family members. Al-Manar Model Kindergarten – Rafah also posted a condolence message for the child Maria Muhammad Tayseer Al-Ghouti – who was one of their students – along with images of her at school.

Where possible, names have been matched with the Palestinian Ministry of Health list of fatalities in Gaza released on October 26th, 2023.

Where sources identified the belligerent, all sources attributed the strike to the Israeli military.

Due to the scale and urgency of Airwars’ assessment process, all images have been automatically uploaded to each assessment with the graphic filter applied to protect users. We have also included all images identified from the sources, which may also include any imagery of combatants.

The incident occured during the day.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Maria Muhammad Tayseer Al-Ghouti  مارية محمد تيسير الغوطي
5 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 440681625
Tayseer Muhammad Tayseer Al-Ghouti محمد عماد ابريك العماوي
9 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 433618535
Hanaa Ziad Rizq Al-Ghouti هناء زياد رزق الغوطي
Age unknown female killed

Family members (3)

husband ofHadeel Al-Jamal
Age unknown male injured
a child 1 of Hadeel Al-Jamal
injured
a child 2 of Hadeel Al-Jamal
injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • (2 children1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (49) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (72) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mahmoud Bassem

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mahmoud Bassem

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mahmoud Bassem

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mahmoud Bassem

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mahmoud Bassem

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mahmoud Bassem

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mahmoud Bassem

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mahmoud Bassem

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmed Al-Hakim

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmed Al-Hakim

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmed Al-Hakim

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmed Al-Hakim

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmed Al-Hakim

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmed Al-Hakim

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmed Al-Hakim

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Gaza, moment by moment

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Gaza, moment by moment

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Gaza, moment by moment

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    Source: Gaza, moment by moment

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Farhad Hussein

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Farhad Hussein

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Farhad Hussein

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Farhad Hussein

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Farhad Hussein

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Farhad Hussein

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Farhad Hussein

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Farhad Hussein

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Talat Barhoum

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Talat Barhoum

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: .vetogate.com news

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: .vetogate.com news

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: .vetogate.com news

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Al-Manar Model Kindergarten - Rafah

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Al-Manar Model Kindergarten - Rafah

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Al-Manar Model Kindergarten - Rafah

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Al-Manar Model Kindergarten - Rafah

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Yasmine Ahmed

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Yasmine Ahmed

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Yasmine Ahmed

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Yasmine Ahmed

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Khaled Abdulsalam

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Khaled Abdulsalam

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Khaled Abdulsalam

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Khaled Abdulsalam

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Khaled Abdel Salam Abu Walid

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    Source: Muhammad Majid Al-Astal

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    Source: Alkhalijiu

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Sufyan Akkad

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    Source: Official journalist Adel Zourub

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Official journalist Adel Zourub

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Official journalist Adel Zourub

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Official journalist Adel Zourub

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Jabr Al-Akkad

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Sufyan Akkad

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Sufyan Akkad

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Sufyan Akkad

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Sufyan Akkad

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Sufyan Akkad

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Sufyan Akkad

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Sufyan Akkad

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Sufyan Akkad

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Sufyan Akkad

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Abu Youssef Supermarket 2

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Raja Alastal

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Khaled Abdel Salam Abu Walid

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    Source: Khaled Abdel Salam Abu Walid

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mohammed Saber

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    Source: multaqaa eayilat saqr

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Israeli Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Israeli Military
  • Israeli Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • (2 children1–2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (49) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0476

Incident date

October 22, 2023

Location

القرارة, Al Qarara, Khan Younis, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.371329, 34.335281 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Around 19:00 in the evening of Sunday, October 22, 2023, the home of the Abu Habis family in Al-Qarara located northeast of Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip, was allegedly bombed by the Israeli military, resulting in five civilians killed, including at least three women, and a number of injuries.

A man in his 40s named Rabie Khamees Abdullah Abu Habis was killed alongside his wife Mervat Ali-Behairi Abu Habis, his mother, his sister and his niece whose names and ages are unknown. Rabie Abu Habis was the last one to be recovered from under the rubble of the family house. A post from Maher Al Hijazi reported that the bodies of those killed were taken to Nasser Hospital and Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital.

Journalist Abdul Rahman Al-Abadla reported that in addition to the five people who had been killed and recovered from the rubble, there were “a number of injuries” but did not specify how many.

Family members and friends of the Abu Habis family made heartfelt tributes and shared their grief over the loss of the loved ones. A family relative Abu Fayez expressed his condolences and shared an image of the late Rabie, a smiling middle-aged man in a red Lacoste T-shirt and a cap.

Rabie’s name was matched with the Palestinian Ministry of Health list of nearly 7000 victims’ names and ID numbers released on October 26th.

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

Due to the scale and urgency of Airwars’ assessment process, all images have been automatically uploaded to each assessment with the graphic filter applied to protect users. We have also included all images identified from the sources, which may also include any imagery of combatants.

The incident occured at approximately 7:00 pm local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

Rabei Khamis Abu Habis ربيع خميس ابو حبيس
40 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 905384806
Mervat Ali Al-Behairi Abu Habis ميرفت علي البحيري ابو خميس
Adult female killed
Mother of Rabei Khamis Abu Habis ام ربيع خميس ابو حبيس
Adult female killed
Sister of Rabei Khamis Abu Habis اخت ربيع خميس ابو حبيس
Adult female killed
Niece of Rabie ابنت اخت ربيع
female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (0–1 children3–4 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Abu Fayez

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: The pulse of Al-Qarara 'continues with you'

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    Source: The pulse of Al-Qarara 'continues with you'

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: The predatory falcon Abu Yazan

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: The predatory falcon Abu Yazan

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: The predatory falcon Abu Yazan

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Al Qarara (القرارة), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.371329, 34.335281. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Israeli Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Israeli Military
  • Israeli Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (0–1 children3–4 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0452

Incident date

October 22, 2023

Location

طلال السلطان, Tal al Sultan, Rafah, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.310318, 34.241843 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An alleged Israeli bombardment killed at least 25 civilians, including members of the Tabasi, al-Hams and Abu Younis families, on the 22nd of October 2023, in the Tal Al-Sultan area in the west of Rafah in Gaza. The number of injured civilians remains unknown and some were still stuck under the rubble at the time of the reporting. The airstrike took place shortly before 12:23PM when Shehab Agency reported it.

Journalist Adel Zourub provided the names of many of those killed: 60-year-old Mahmoud Ahmed Musa Tabasi, along with his daughter Joan Mahmoud Ahmed Tabasi and sons, 33-year-old Ahmed Mahmoud Musa Tabasi, 39-year-old Ghassan Mahmoud Musa Tabasi, and 41-year-old Talat Mahmoud Musa Tabasi. Talat’s 12-year-old son, Musa Talaat Mahmoud Tabasi, was also killed.

Others from the Tabasi family were killed, named as Ahmed Musa Musa Tabasi, and 5-year-old Adam Muhammad Ahmed Tabasi. Mohammed Salman Tabasi identified the child Musa Raed Tabasi among those killed; another child, 3-year-old Ahmed Mahmoud Ahmed Tabasi, was named by Adel Zourub.

Nufal al Akhras added names of the dead who were identified at Emirati Hospital: 9-year-old Amina Fouad Mahmoud Tabasi and her one-year-old sister Sour Fouad Mahmoud Tabasi. 

Shaima Ahmed Khamis Abu Younis (41) was killed, along with her children, daughters Sarah Hani Samir Al-Hams (13), Huda Hani Samir al-Hams (11) and Malak Hani Samir al-Hams (18). Shaima’s husband Dr. Hani al-Hams posted a memorial for his wife and children, adding that their son Omar Hani al-Hams was still missing under the rubble at the time. There was no further reporting on whether Omar was killed or injured or survived unscathed, but his name was not found on the Ministry of Health list.

Other members of the Abu Younis family who were killed include Zafer Ahmed Khamis Abu Younis (34), Asmaa Ahmed Khamis Abu Younis (26), and Taher Ahmed Khamis Abu Younis (39). Based on their names, it is likely that they were siblings of Shaima.  A child named Sila Zafer Ahmed Al-Hams, likely a one year old based on the Ministry of Health list (but last name is listed as Abu Younis, which would likely make her the child of Zafer) was also killed.

According to the Kuwait Specialized Hospital, Hamdi Ismail al-Zahar (40) was reportedly killed alongside eight-year-old Saqr Ahmed Ismail al-Zahar while another source mentioned that Hamdi’s son was also killed. A post from Hassan Al-Zahar Abu Said identified Hamdi’s nephew “Ahmed” as among those killed and stated that Saqr was Hamdi’s son (although the names do not indicate this).

Ahmed Abdel Aziz Abu Khatla and 34-year-old Magda Gamal Ibrahim Aram.

At the time of reporting, it appeared there were still others unaccounted for under the rubble.

Fadi al-Arawi posted a condolence message for his “brother and friend” Talaat Tabasi while Journalist Adel Zourub posted a graphic image of a dead child identified as Musa Raed Tabasi. Additional condolence messages were posted by various other family members and friends.

Some of the victims of the attack were brought to the al-Kuwaiti and al-Najjar hospitals as noted in Firas Abu Sharkh’s post. Multiple other outlets noted the bodies were brought to the Emirati Hospital, including those of injured people without specifying a toll. Images of men praying in front of one of the bodies of the victims in a mosque were released as well as doctors praying in front of the Kuwaiti hospital in front of the victims who had arrived at the hospital. Rescue teams reported that others were still stuck under the rubble meaning there may yet be more unidentified casualties. Furthermore, many people were unidentifiable due to the mutilation of their bodies once they arrived at the Emirati hospital.

Where sources specified the belligerent, all sources attributed the airstrike to the Israeli military.

Where possible, names have been matched with the Palestinian Ministry of Health list of fatalities in Gaza released on October 26th, 2023.

Due to the scale and urgency of Airwars’ assessment process, all images have been automatically uploaded to each assessment with the graphic filter applied to protect users. We have also included all images identified from the sources, which may also include any imagery of combatants.

The incident occured at approximately 12:20 pm local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (12)

Mahmoud Ahmed Musa Tabasi محمود احمد موسى طباسي
60 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 963958061
Ahmed Mahmoud Musa Tabasi احمد محمود موسى طباسي
33 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 802657015
Joan Mahmoud Ahmed Tabasi جوان محمود موسى طباسي
Adult female killed
Ghassan Mahmoud Musa Tabasi غسان محمود موسى طباسي
39 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 800376956
Talaat Mahmoud Musa Tabasi طلعت محمود موسى طباسي
41 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 931505036
Musa Talaat Mahmoud Tabasi موسى طلعت محمود طباسي
12 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 430534784
Ahmed Musa Musa Tabasi احمد موسى موسى طباسي
Age unknown male killed
Adam Muhammad Ahmed Tabasi ادم محمد احمد طباسي
5 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 440693257
Musa Raed Tabasi موسى رائد طباسي
Child male killed
Amina Fouad Mahmoud Tabasi امنة فؤاد محمود طباسي
9 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 434758074
Sour Fouad Mahmoud Tabasi سوار فؤاد محمود طباسي
1 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 444412522
Ahmed Mahmoud Ahmed Tabasi أحمد محمود أحمد طباسي
3 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 443130489

Family members (3)

Saqr Ahmed Ismail al-Zahar صقر أحمد اسماعيل الزهار
8 years old male Matched to MoH ID 435184544
Ahmed احمد
Child killed
Hamdi Ismail al-Zahar حمدي اسماعيل علي الزهار
40 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 926731399

Family members (10)

Sila zafer Ahmed Al-Hams سيلة ظافر احمد الهمص
1 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 444470900
Asmaa Ahmed Khamis Abu Younis اسماء احمد خميس ابو يونس
26 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 403114895
Taher Ahmed Khamis Abu Younis طاهر احمد خميس ابو يونس
39 years old male Matched to MoH ID 800322216
Zafer Ahmed Khamis Abu Younis ظافر أحمد خميس ابو يونس
34 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 802231134
Shaima Ahmed Khamis Abu Younis شيماء احمد خميس ابو يونس
41 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 946692688
Sarah Hani Samir al-Hams سارة هاني سمير الهمص
13 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 429625551
Malak Hani Samir al-Hams ملك هاني سمير الهمص
18 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 422537266
Huda Hani Samir al-Hams هدى هاني سمير الهمص
11 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 432009009
Omar Hani Samir al-Hams عمر هاني سمير الهمص
Age unknown male
Sila Zafer Ahmed al-Hams سيلا احمد الهمص
Age unknown female killed

The victims were named as:

Ahmed Abdel Aziz Abu Khatla احمد عبد العزيز ابو الختلة
Age unknown male killed
Magda Gamal Ibrahim Aram ماجدة جمال ابراهيم عرام
34 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 802352724

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    25
  • (11–13 children5 women7–9 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (21) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Firas Abu Sharkh

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Firas Abu Sharkh

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Firas Abu Sharkh

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Firas Abu Sharkh

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Jihad of the Hour

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Jihad of the Hour

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Jihad of the Hour

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Jihad of the Hour

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Jihad of the Hour

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Jihad of the Hour

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Fadi Al-Arawi

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Kuwait Specialized Hospital

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Official journalist Adel Zourub

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Hassan Al-Zahar Abu Said

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Hassan Al-Zahar Abu Said

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Hassan Al-Zahar Abu Said

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Haitham Belbeis

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Diwan Al Zaroub

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Diwan Al Zaroub

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Diwan Al Zaroub

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Tal al Sultan (طلال السلطان) to the west of Rafah (رفح). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Tal al Sultan are: 31.310318, 34.241843.

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Israeli Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Israeli Military
  • Israeli Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    25
  • (11–13 children5 women7–9 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0466

Incident date

October 22, 2023

Location

بلوك 12 ,البريج , Block 12, Al Bureij, Deir Al Balah, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.437934, 34.403857 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A husband and wife were killed and four others injured after an alleged Israeli bombardment on Block 12 of the al-Bureij camp on October 22nd, 2023.

65-year old Arif Ahmed Al-Nabahin was killed with his wife, 59-year old Mona Abdel Rahman Al-Nabahin.

The strike was initially reported by Safa News at 10:36am, and has been described as both an aircraft bombing and an artillery strike. Other sources such as Al-Sharq News and Urgent Now corroborated the strike, reporting a “number of casualties and injuries.”  A Facebook post by Muhammad Jaber further alleged four people were injured; this has not been confirmed elsewhere. The same post also noted that it was difficult for ambulances to gain access to the site of the strike, and appears to have had to withdraw after thirty minutes of trying to reach the site.

Friends and relatives posted on social media to pay tribute to the victims. A post by Facebook user “Made in Gaza” remembered the couple, describing Mona as “virtuous” and asking for God to “have mercy on them.” A photo attached shows a smiling Arif.

A tribute by Arif’s childhood friend, Abu Basil Azara, included a photo of a young Arif standing with two friends.

Facebook user “Abu Ajwa’s assistant” wrote that the pain of such losses was a “sadness that does not stop.”

Where possible, names have been matched with the Palestinian Ministry of Health list of fatalities in Gaza released on October 26th, 2023.

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

Due to the scale and urgency of Airwars’ assessment process, all images have been automatically uploaded to each assessment with the graphic filter applied to protect users. We have also included all images identified from the sources, which may also include any imagery of combatants.

The incident occured at approximately 10:36 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Arif Ahmed Al-Nabahin عارف احمد النباهين
65 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 944335330
Mona Abdel Rahman Al-Nabahin منى عبد الرحمن النباهين
59 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 952071538

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    IDP or refugee camp, Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (7) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Made in Gaza

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Abu Basil Azara

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Abu Ajwa's assistant

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: The bridge brings us together

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Dr. Maysoon Muhammad Al-Nabahin post

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Momen Mohammed

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Momen Mohammed

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention Block 4, allegedly located within Al Bureij (مخيم البريج) camp. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Al Bureij are: 31.437934, 34.403857.

Israeli Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Israeli Military
  • Israeli Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    IDP or refugee camp, Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0482

Incident date

October 22, 2023

Location

حيّ الصعيدي, Saudi neighbourhood, Rafah, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.315564, 34.238917 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On the 22nd of October 2023, an alleged Israeli projectile hit the house of the al-Saidi family in the Saudi district, west of Rafah, reportedly killing one civilian man and causing injuries to others.

Moataz Abu Talekh was reported as the young man killed in several posts. Multiple Facebook posts include photos alongside tributes to him, including Abu Khaled Al-Turbani who posted a condolence message for his “brother and beloved” Moataz. He was taken to al-Kuwaiti hospital but did not survive, according to Voice of the Nation Radio.

Multiple posts also report injuries, but do not name or number individuals injured. No further details were available regarding the current condition of these civilians.

Airwars was not able to match Moataz Abu Talekh’s name with the Palestinian Ministry of Health list of nearly 7000 victims’ names and ID numbers released on October 26th.

All sources that identify a belligerent report that the belligerent was the Israeli military. One of these sources, Ma’an News Agency, alleges that the incident was an airstrike.

Due to the scale and urgency of Airwars’ assessment process, all images have been automatically uploaded to each assessment with the graphic filter applied to protect users. We have also included all images identified from the sources, which may also include any imagery of combatants.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Moataz Abu Talekh معتز ابو تيلخ
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Tariq bin Abdul Aziz

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Abu Khaled Al-Turbani

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Saudi neighbourhood (حيّ الصعيدي) of the city of Rafah (رفح), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.315564, 34.238917. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

{"type":"FeatureCollection","features":[{"type":"Feature","properties":{"stroke":"#ff0000","stroke-width":1,"stroke-opacity":1,"fill-opacity":0},"geometry":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[34.2329368,31.3175401],[34.2328727,31.3190434],[34.2332482,31.3197309],[34.2355227,31.3200242],[34.2362308,31.3172745],[34.2450606,31.3187133],[34.2457364,31.3159362],[34.2453074,31.3149647],[34.2430757,31.314928],[34.2427003,31.3126456],[34.2404685,31.3125906],[34.2391381,31.3124439],[34.2352113,31.3117842],[34.2343746,31.3124989],[34.2329368,31.3175401]]]}}]}

Israeli Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Israeli Military
  • Israeli Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0453

Incident date

October 22, 2023

Location

رفح, Rafah, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.296854, 34.243508 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On the morning of Sunday, October 22nd 2023, an alleged Israeli bombardment hit Salah Mohammed Kurdieh’s house located west of the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip, killing at least 12 identified civilians, including five women and four children, and injuring at least two civilians.

Although there was only scarce information about the circumstances of the incident, the social media tributes by family relatives and friends, including Nahed Shawa, Adel Majid Kurdiya and others, helped to identify names of the victims.

A 59-year-old Salah Mohammed Fahmi Kurdieh was killed alongside his 55-year-old wife Nadia Faruq Muhammad (Kurdieh) Anan, their 20-year-old son Hamza Salah Kurdieh, their two daughters – a 30-year-old Aya Salah Kurdieh and a 25-year-old  Alaa Salah Kurdieh, their daughter-in-law, a 31-year-old wife of Ahmad Huda Samir Mahmoud Kurdieh, and their grandchildren  – a 14-year-old Salah Ahmed Kurdieh, a 12-year-old Nadia Ahmed Kurdieh, and a one-year-old Maria Ahmed Kurdieh.

Also Salah Mohammed Kurdieh’s father-in-law, Nadia’s father, a 87-year-old Farouk Mohammed Buker Anan (Abu Yasser) and his mother-in-law, 73-year-old Nadia’s mother Suad Mohammad Mohammad Anan (Umm Yasser) were among the victims killed in the strike. Mahmoud M. Kurdieh’s Facebook post did not list Abu Yasser Anan and Umm Yasser Anan’s names among the list of civilian casualties, although all other Airwars’ sources named them. He also reported that the strike occurred in the morning.

A 9-year-old girl named Zeina Ahmed Kurdieh, granddaughter of Salah Mohamed Kurdieh and Nadia Anan, was reported missing by the local sources, but, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health list of fatalities in Gaza released on October 26th, 2023, she was found dead.

Two sons of Salah and Nadia, Anas Salah Kurdieh and Ahmad Salah Kurdieh, were injured and hospitalized in moderate condition after the strike. Based on the ages of their siblings, both have been counted as men.

All of the names of the victims have been matched with the Palestinian Ministry of Health list of fatalities in Gaza released on October 26th, 2023.

When sources identified the belligerent, all the sources attributed the strike to Israeli forces.

Due to the scale and urgency of Airwars’ assessment process, all images have been automatically uploaded to each assessment with the graphic filter applied to protect users. We have also included all images identified from the sources, which may also include any imagery of combatants.

The incident occured in the morning.

The victims were named as:

Family members (14)

Salah Mohammed Fahmi Kurdieh صلاح محمد كرديه
59 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 966578486
Nadia Faruq Muhammad (Kurdieh) Anan ناديا عنان
55 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 906471339
Hamza Salah Muhammad Kurdieh حمزة صلاح كرديه
20 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 408151991
Aya Salah Muhammad Kurdieh اية صلاح كرديه
30 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 400207536
Alaa Salah Kurdieh الاء صلاح كرديه
25 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 404323636
Anas Salah Kurdieh, انس صلاح كرديه
Adult male injured
Ahmad Salah Kurdieh كرديه احمد صلاح
Adult male injured
Huda Samir Mahmoud Kurdieh هدى زوجة احمد
31 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 803835008
Salah Ahmed Salah Kurdieh صلاح احمد كرديه
14 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 429273576
Nadia Ahmed Salah Kurdieh ناديا احمد كرديه
12 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 431656636
Maria Ahmed Salah Kurdieh ماريا احمد كرديه
1 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 444174445
Zeina Ahmed Salah Kurdieh زينة احمد كرديه
9 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 435091798
Farouk Mohammed Buker Anan (Abu Yasser) ابو ياسر عنان
87 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 906471313
Suad Mohammad Mohammad Anan (Umm Yasser ام ياسر عنان
73 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 906471321

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12
  • (4 children5 women3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Rafah (رفح), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.296854, 34.243508. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Israeli Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Israeli Military
  • Israeli Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12
  • (4 children5 women3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0467

Incident date

October 22, 2023

Location

منزل لآل أبو عيادة بتل السلطان برفح, Abu Iyada’s family home in Tal al-Sultan, Western Rafah, the Gaza Strip, Rafah, the Gaza Strip

Airwars assessment

On Sunday, October 22nd, 2023, an alleged Israeli airstrike hit the Abu Iyada family home in Tal al-Sultan, the Saudi neighborhood located west of Rafah in the Gaza Strip, reportedly killing 16 civilians spanning two generations, and injuring others.

Among those killed were 47-year old Adel Abu Iyada and his two sons, 18-year old Ahmed Adel Abu Iyada and 14-year old Alaa Adel Abu Iyada. Also killed in the strike were 47-year old Muhammad Mahmoud Abu Iyada, his daughter, 5-year old Habiba Muhammad Abu Iyada, and his two sons,12-year old Abdullah Muhammad Abu Iyada and 2-year old Malik Muhammad Abu Iyada. 29-year old Azmi Mahmoud Abu Iyada was killed along with his heavily-pregnant wife, Jihan Bassam al-Maghari, and their son, 4-year old Zain Azmi Abu Iyada. In addition, Essam Mahmoud Abu Iyada, his wife, 39-year old Sabreen Muhammad Abu Iyada, and their daughter, 14-year old Menna Essam Abu Iyada were killed. Sobhiya Abu Iyada and her infant daughter, Mervat Abu Iyada were killed, as was the child of Muhammad al-Saifan and Kamal Abu Iyada, 14-year old Fathi Muhammad al-Saifan.

Condolence messages alongside pictures honouring Adel Abu Iyada and his family were posted on Facebook by various relatives and acquaintances, including Majd Aram Abu Al-Joud, Bassam Falcon (Jihan Bassam’s brother), Rawya Ismail (Fathi’s cousin), and Majd Aram Abu Al-Joud (Azmi’s friend and Jihan’s brother-in-law). Fouad Al-Sufi Abu Fadi mourned the loss of his “sincere, truthful, and loyal friend,” “brother,” and “lifelong companion” Adel by stating that “his departure broke him.” This message of grief was echoed on another post by Mohammed Omar Abubaid, Adel’s “beloved” friend. Mohammad Saker, Sabreen’s nephew, fondly described his aunt as “affectionate,” while Fathi’s aunt, Ya-hala, also lamented the loss of her “beloved” nephew, expressing that he was “dear to her heart.”

Photos shared of 14-year old Alaa and 14-year old Fathi show smiling boys. One, shared by Facebook user Omar T Alqutai, includes a side-by-side comparison of a grinning Alaa next to a body bag tagged with his name. User Rawya Ismail similarly posted candid and posed pictures of Fathi, along with a final image of him wrapped in a body bag.

Shortly after the bombardment, user @AlQastalps reported that “a number of martyrs and wounded” had arrived at al-Kuwaiti Hospital in Rafah, though no other details were available about the identity of the remaining victims or their condition.

The following day, user @abeeribrahim69 shared a picture capturing an unidentified child from the Abu Iyada family “bidding farewell to his family members after 11 of them were martyred.”

According to a testimony posted on Facebook by Fathi’s aunt, Ya-hala, the house was destroyed “without warning,” and Gaza Days shared images illustrating the devastating aftermath of the bombardment and revealing volunteers retrieving bodies from beneath the rubble.

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

Where possible, names have been matched with the Palestinian Ministry of Health list of fatalities in Gaza released on October 26th, 2023

Due to the scale and urgency of Airwars’ assessment process, all images have been automatically uploaded to each assessment with the graphic filter applied to protect users. We have also included all images identified from the sources, which may also include any imagery of combatants.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (16)

Adel Abu Eyada عادل ابو عيادة
47 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 803104405
Ahmed Adel Abu Eyada احمد عادل ابو عيادة
18 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 422590695
Alaa Adel Abu Eyada علاء عادل ابو عيادة
14 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 424735132
Muhammad Mahmoud Abu Eyada محمد محمود ابو عيادة
47 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 900997560
Abdullah Muhammad Abu Iyada عبد الله محمد ابو عيادة
12 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 431668664
Malik Muhammad Abu Eyada مالك محمد ابو عيادة
2 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 445536410
Habiba Muhammad Abu Eyada حبيبة محمد ابو عيادة
5 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 440698629
Azmi Mahmoud Abu Eyada عزمي محمود ابو عيادة
29 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 804828523
Jihan Bassam Al-Maghari جيهان بسام المغاري
Adult female pregnant killed
Zain Azmi Abu Eyada زين عزمي ابو عيادة
4 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 441290095
Essam Mahmoud Abu Eyada عصام محمود ابو عيادة
Adult male killed
Sabreen Muhammad Abu Eyada صابرين محمد ابو عيادة
39 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 800171704
Menna Essam Abu Eyada منة عصام ابو عيادة
24 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 429417025
Sobhiya Abu Eyada صبحية ابو عيادة
Adult female killed
Mervat Abu Eyada ميرفت ابو عيادة
Child female killed
Fathi Muhammad Al-Saifan فتحي محمد السعيفان
14 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 426292660

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    16
  • (8–9 children3 women5 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (30) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (40) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Gaza days

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Gaza days

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Gaza days

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Gaza days

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Hassouna Al-Hayeh

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Hassouna Al-Hayeh

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ya-hala Educational

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Omar T Alqutai

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Omar T Alqutai

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Rawya Ismail

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Rawya Ismail

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Rawya Ismail

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Lausanne Hossam

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Muhammad Bakri

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Fouad Al-Sufi Abu Fadi

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Fouad Al-Sufi Abu Fadi

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Fouad Al-Sufi Abu Fadi

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Abu Adnan Abu Iyada

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Abu Adnan Abu Iyada

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Abu Adnan Abu Iyada

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Abu Adnan Abu Iyada

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Abu Adnan Abu Iyada

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Abu Adnan Abu Iyada

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Abu Adnan Abu Iyada

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Abu Adnan Abu Iyada

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mohammed Omar Abubaid

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mohammed Omar Abubaid

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mohammed Omar Abubaid

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mohammed Omar Abubaid

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mohammed Omar Abubaid

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @abeeribrahim69

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mohammad Saker

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mohammad Saker

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mohammad Saker

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mohammad Saker

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mohammad Saker

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Muhammad Obaida

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Anas Mohammad

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmed Omar reserve

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

Israeli Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Israeli Military
  • Israeli Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    16
  • (8–9 children3 women5 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (30) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0454

Incident date

October 22, 2023

Location

دير البلح, Deir al Balah, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.418995, 34.349442 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

During the night or early morning of Tuesday, October 22nd 2023, an alleged Israeli airstrike hit the al-Naouq family home located in the center of the town of Deir Al-Balah, Gaza Strip,  killing 21 identified members of the al-Naouq family, including 14 children and three women, and up to 30 civilians, and wounding at least two civilians. According to the post by Ahmed al-Naouq, American fighter aircraft F16 was used to conduct this strike.

Ahmed al-Naouq, a media officer at the Palestinian Mission in the UK and a graduate student in London, lost around 30 family members in this incident according to his Twitter/X post that gained more than 6 million views. Airwars identified 21 members of his family killed based on Ahmed’s social media posts, including his 14 nephews and nieces. Condolence messages were offered to Ahmed on social media by his colleagues from the Mission, including the Ambassador Husam Zomlot, Rana Abu Ayyash, and Rami Abdu.

In his interview to Associated Press, Ahmed recalled that that night when a blast struck his family’s home while he was in London, more than 2,000 miles away. He told AP that he left a question in his family’s WhatsApp group, “Tell me, how are you guys?”. He then heard from a friend:  “Airstrike. Everyone killed.”

Ahmed told AP in a moving testimony: “I can’t believe this actually happened. Because if I calculate what it means, I will be destroyed.”

On November 15th 2023, Ahmed al-Naouq went to the British Parliament to talk to MPs about the incident in which Israel had killed his family. He asked them to vote for a ceasefire “to end the suffering of his people.”

In comments to AP, Ahmed asked: “Why would they kill children and an old man? What is the military justification for bombing my house? They were all civilians. I wish, one day, I can meet the one who pulled the trigger. I want to ask him: Why did you do it?”

Ahmed al-Naouq also recorded a voice tribute to his 14 nieces and nephews shared on BBC sounds under the title, “All I have now are memories”.

Among the victims of the strike was Ahmed’s 75-year old father, Nasri Salem al-Naouq, his two brothers and three sisters with their fourteen children.

Ahmed’s 36-year-old sister Walaa Nasri Salem al-Naouq was killed alongside her four children –  two sons Raghad Muhammad Jamal al-Azayza (13) and Abdullah Muhammad Jamal al-Azayza (6) and two daughters Islam Muhammad Jamal al-Azayza (12) and Sarah Muhammad Jamal al-Azayza (9).  The Associated Press report described the late Walaa Nasri Salem al-Naouq as “the most accomplished of the al-Naouq children with a degree in engineering.” Ahmed shared his picture with Abdullah and Sarah, adding that “this is Abdullah, when he was a bit younger. To the right is his sister Sarah. She was also killed. Sarah was born during the 2014 war. She endured the blockade and a number of wars since her birth.”

His 35-year-old sister Alaa Nasri Salem al-Naouq (Salman) was killed along with her five children  – daughters Dima Mahmoud Abdel Karim Salman (12), Tala Mahmoud Abdel Karim Salman (8), Nesma Mahmoud Abdel Karim Salman (2), Islam Mahmoud Abdel Karim Salman  (13), and a son, Nour El-Din Mahmoud Abdel Karim Salman (4). A Facebook user Waseem Salman Abu Ahmed wrote in his tribute that the deceased Alaa was his uncle’s wife and shared numerous images of her smiling small children.

Ahmed’s 33-year old sister Aya Nasri Salem al-Naouq lost her life together with the lives of her three children, sons Mohammed Bashir (12), and Tamin Bashir (6), and daughter Malak Bashir (aged 11 or 12). Malak initially survived the incident and was taken to al-Aqsa hospital with severe burns, but died “after doctors gave her ICU bed to another patient with a better chance of survival.” From a Twitter/X post from Ahmed al-Naouq on October 29th, it appears Malak died nearly a week after the initial strike.

Aya was known for her “wry sense of humour.” According to the AP article, Aya’s home had been previously destroyed and she was staying with the others elsewhere in the central city of Deir al-Balah, south of the area Israel had ordered Palestinians to leave.

Ahmed’s 35-year old brother Muhammad Nasri Salem al-Naouq was killed alongside his son Bakr Muhammad Nasri al-Naouq (11) and a daughter Basemah Muhammad Nasri al-Naouq (9). Ahmed shared an image of the dead body of Bakr, writing that “This is my brother’s firstborn. He was 11 years old.”

Ahmed’s 25-year old brother Mahmoud Nasri Salem al-Naouq was also killed in this incident. Mahmoud al-Naouq worked at a human rights organisation and was preparing to travel to Australia for graduate studies when the war broke out. He was described by his former classmate, a Twitter/X user @Salahdeen Aziz Mattar, as “one of the best young men”. Similarly, Twitter/X user @Anas Mohammed Jnena described Mahmoud as “the loveliest spirit and the most kind and calm person one could ever meet.” In his Facebook post, he further reminisced how Mahmoud had told him how excited he was to pursue his master’s abroad and then get back home and get married. His brother Ahmed shared his image of a smiling young man in glasses.

Among the victims was also Ahmed’s cousin, a 34-year old Ali Hisham Said Al-Quraynaawi, a PhD holder and a lecturer at a university in Gaza. Ahmed wrote in his Twitter/X account that he was killed in Ahmed’s family home and attached an image of a tall young man in a suit.

Initially believed to have been a casualty, Aya’s son, Omar Bashir (3), was later discovered to be alive but injured. Described as “the little angel,” Omar was the sole child who survived the bombing. Ahmed wrote that “Omar is still living under bombardment. Omar is not safe.”

A relative and neighbour of the affected family Ali Al-Naouq detailed his injuries, stating he “suffered a fracture in his left hand along with other injuries” when the al-Naouq house next to his own was bombed, resulting in significant damage to his residence. Additionally, an Associated Press report identified Ahmed al-Naouq’s sister-in-law, Shimaa, as a survivor of the incident, but it is not clear whether she was injured or not.

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

Where possible, Airwars has matched names with the Palestinian Ministry of Health list of nearly 7000 victims’ names and ID numbers released on October 26th.

Due to the scale and urgency of Airwars’ assessment process, all images have been automatically uploaded to each assessment with the graphic filter applied to protect users. We have also included all images identified from the sources, which may also include any imagery of combatants.

The incident occured during the night.

The victims were named as:

Family members (23)

Nasri Salem al-Naouq نصري سالم الناعوق
75 years old male Matched to MoH ID 930025440
Muhammad Nasri Salem al-Naouq محمد نصري سالم الناعوق
35 years old male Matched to MoH ID 802083717
Bakr Muhammad Nasri al-Naouq بكر محمد نصري سالم الناعوق
11 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 433485737
Basemah Muhammad Nasri al-Naouq باسمة محمد نصري سالم الناعوق
9 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 432938900
Walaa Nasri Salem al-Naouq ولاء نصري سالم الناعوق
36 years old female Matched to MoH ID 800734501
Raghad Muhammad Jamal al-Azayza رغد محمد جمال العزيزة
13 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 429971369
Islam Muhammad Jamal al-Azayza اسلام محمد جمال العزيزة
Child female killed
Sarah Muhammad Jamal al-Azayza سارةمحمد جمال العزيزة
9 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 434453999
Abdullah Muhammad Jamal al-Azayza عبدالله محمد جمال العزيزة
6 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 438220550
Alaa Nasri Salem al-Naouq (Salman) الاء نصري سالم الناعوق
35 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 802083709
Dima Mahmoud Abdel Karim Salman ديما محمود عبد الكريم سلمان
12 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 430214155
Tala Mahmoud Abdel Karim Salman تالا محمود عبد الكريم سلمان
8 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 435191010
Nour El-Din Mahmoud Abdel Karim Salman نور الدين محمود عبد الكريم سلمان
4 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 441230919
Nesma Mahmoud Abdel Karim Salman نسمة محمود عبد الكريم سلمان
2 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 445210016
Islam Mahmoud Abdel Karim Salman إسلام محمود عبد الكريم سلمان
13 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 429971484
Mahmoud Nasri Salem al-Naouq محمود نصري سالم الناعوق
25 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 403609928
Aya Nasri Salem al-Naouq اية نصري سالم الناعوق
34 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 802498782
Omar Bashir عمر
3 years old male injured
Mohammed Yussuf Mohammed Bashir
12 years old male killed
Tamin Yussuf Mohammed Bashir تميم يوسف محمد بشير
6 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 438476491
Malak ملك
11 years old female killed
Ali Hisham al-Qarinawi علي هشام القريناوي
34 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 803128255
Ali al-Naouq
Adult male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    21 – 30
  • (14 children3 women4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Impact
    Education
    Impact on services or infrastructure relating to education, health or food supply. See methodology note for details.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (35) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (19) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Waseem Salman Abu Ahmed

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Salahdeen Aziz Mattar

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Anas Muhammad Janna

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: AP News

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: AP News

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @AlnaouqA

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @bbcworldservice

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @AlnaouqA

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @AlnaouqA

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @AlnaouqA

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @AlnaouqA

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @AlnaouqA

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @AlnaouqA

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @AlnaouqA

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @AlnaouqA

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @AlnaouqA

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @AlnaouqA

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @AlnaouqA

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @AlnaouqA

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Deir al Balah (دير البلح), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.418995, 34.349442. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Israeli Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Israeli Military
  • Israeli Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    21 – 30
  • (14 children3 women4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Impact
    Education
    Impact on services or infrastructure relating to education, health or food supply. See methodology note for details.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (35) [ collapse]