ISPT0051 – October 9, 2023

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

On October 9th 2023, Israeli Defence Forces allegedly conducted an airstrike on a residential building located in Bani Suhalia in Khan Yunis. The strike reportedly killed members of the Al-Najjar family: Ramadan Ibrahim Al-Najjar (45 years old), his wife Nadiya, his brother Mazen Fawzi Al-Najjar (34 years old) and his niece Salma Hamouda Al-Najjar (6 years old). WAFA News Agency reported that in total eight family members were killed while other local sources reported that seven civilians were injured.

The Najjar family posted on Facebook that the strike occurred at the home of Tariq Rasmi Al-Najjar at night and Nedal Abulehya described the resulting destruction as “I saw the body parts with my own eyes. Everyone in the house was in pieces.” Facebook user Sameer Najjar reported that the family had recently relocated to Bani Suhaila after leaving their homes in Khuza’a. Bani Suhayla posted on Facebook that the airstrikes caused major destruction “at the eastern entrance to the city of Bani Suhaila and various parts of the city”. @ShehabAgency reported that seven injuries resulted from the bombing.

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

The strike was reportedly carried out by aircraft, according to Shehab Agency. The strike left the house severely damaged. Sources Bani Suhayla, Shehab Agency and WAFA News Agency attributed the strike to Israeli warplanes.

Victims

Family members (4)

Ramadan Ibrahim Al-Najjar رمضان النجار

45 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 900587254

Nadiya انديه

female Wife of Ramadan killed

Mazen Fawzi Al-Najjar مازن فوزي النجار

34 years old male Brother of Ramadan killed Matched to MoH ID 801237371

Salma Hamouda Al-Najjar سلمى حمودة رسمي النجار

6 years old female Niece of Ramadan killed Matched to MoH ID 438574725

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

4–8

1 Child, 1 Woman, 2 Men

Civilians reported injured

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention the eastern entrance of Bani Suheila (بني سهيلا). Analysing audio-visual material from sources, we have narrowed the location down to the following exact coordinates: 31.334423, 34.333242.

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