Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

M21ISPT041

Incident date

May 13, 2021

Location

حي الجنية, Al Jenina, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.272965, 34.267038 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least four people, including two women and between one to two children, were killed and 15 others, including seven children and three women, were injured in alleged Israeli airstrikes on the Al Jenina neighborhood in Rafah on May 13th, 2021. Only one of the victims, a man that was killed, was identified to be a belligerent.

According to Al Mezan, at approximately 8:20pm, “Israel’s air force fired a missile, without warning, at a three-story house in Al Jenina neighborhood that belongs to four families. In addition to two-year-old Ibrahim Mohammed Al-Rantisi, the airstrike killed his grandmother, Siham Yusuf Azara (Al-Rantisi), 66, his uncle, Raed Ibrahim Azara (Al-Rantisi), 29, and Raed’s 21-year-old wife, Shaima Diab Musa. Fifteen others, including seven children and three women, were injured.

B’Tselem collected testimony from ‘Iz a-Din a-Rantisi, 24, who lost four family members in the incident: “On Thursday, 13 May 2021, at around 8:00 P.M., I was in my apartment with my brother Muhammad. Suddenly, I heard a missile whistling. I felt a tremor and was thrown in the air. Muhammad, who was standing next to me, flew and fell on some debris. More rubble fell on him. I stayed put for a few minutes until the debris, glass and stones stopped falling. When I got to my feet, I saw our building was still standing, but the missile had gone through the ceiling and landed on the ground floor. I went down the stairs, which were covered in debris but were still standing. When I got to the ground floor, I saw my brother Yusef at the entrance to his apartment, covered in dust and smoke. I started shouting and calling for people to come save my family and get the wounded out from under the rubble. Some more people came. We looked behind the house to see if there was anyone wounded there. We searched with flashlights, because there was no electricity. I found Shaimaa, my brother Raed’s wife. She was dead. We pulled her out from under the rubble. We kept looking and found Aya, my brother Muhammad’s wife. The shock wave had blown her into the house of our neighbors, the al-Hamaydah family. She was wounded and was holding her six-month-old baby, Ibrahim Muhammad a-Rantisi. He was dead. We found my mother inside the apartment. She was dead, too. After looking for my brother Raed for two hours, we found him in the neighbors’ house. He was dead, too. He’d been blown about seven meters away from his apartment. We barely managed to save my brother Hamzah, who was under the rubble. We worked for more than two hours to remove the debris that had fallen on my sister-in-law Asmaa, 27, my brother Yusef’s wife. She was trapped under bits of rubble, lumps of concrete and concrete posts. She was moderately injured. The rest of the family, the children and women, had made it out of the building and weren’t hurt.”

Alaraby reported that on the day of the strikes, the wives of the brothers from the Rantisi family gathered at eight o’clock in the evening to celebrate the first day of Eid al-Fitr, they brought food and sweets as part of the celebration. Shortly after they gathered, an Israeli missile struck their two floor home. “The Israeli missile violated the sanctity of our house, and turned our house into rubble, with which bodies, toys, clothes, and bedding were flying,” says Raeda Al-Rantissi, the 45-year-old daughter of Siham, who was killed. She added that “It was a very difficult moment, when everything turned to ashes, the smell of death and gunpowder, toys were scattered, and screams rose due to the tragedy. I could not have imagined that this would happen, although it could not be ruled out that the occupation would target any house in Gaza, the size of the overcrowding in our neighborhood gave us a false sense of safety. How can a place like this be bombed?”

A post from Abdul Baset showed an image of a toy that Ibrahim Mohammed Al-Rantisi was said to be playing with when he was killed. Ibrahim was between six months old and two years old at the time he was killed.

The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights identified the home as being owned by Yousif Ibrahim al-Rantisi (‘Azarah) and his brothers, he added that all of those injured were taken to Abu Yousif al-Najjar Hospital to receive treatment.

A tweet from @ahm_ks90 said three children were pulled from the rubble following the strikes, but did not identify whether they were dead or injured. Paltoday News reported that two children were killed and included very graphic images of the alleged children.

A post from Al Qassam Brigades identified Raed Ibrahim Al-Rantissi as a member of the “Mujahid Qassami”.

All of the sources attributed the strikes to Israeli missiles and @paltimes2015 reported that the strikes had occurred “without warning”.

The incident occured at approximately 8:20 pm local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (6)

Ibrahim Mohammed Al-Rantisi ابراهيم محمد الر
2 years old male killed
Siham Yusuf Azara (Al-Rantisi) سهام يوسف محمد عزارة (الرنتيسي)
66 years old female killed
Shaima Diab Mohammad Musa شيماء دياب محمد موسى
21 years old female killed
Aya
Adult female injured
Hamzah
male injured
Asmaa
27 years old female moderately injured injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • (1–2 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    15
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (38) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (54) [ collapse]

  • Raed Ibrahim Al-Rantissi, an alleged member of Al Qassam Brigades, was killed along with other members of his family on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Al Qassam Brigades)
  • Children injured in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by @ahm_ks90)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Very graphic image of a child allegedly killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Paltoday News)
  • Image of a child allegedly killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Paltoday News)
  • Image of a child being treated for injuries from strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Paltoday News)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Very graphic image of a child allegedly killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Paltoday News)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Very graphic image of a child allegedly killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Paltoday News)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Very graphic image of a child allegedly killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Paltoday News)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Very graphic image of a child allegedly killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Paltoday News)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Very graphic image of a child allegedly killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Paltoday News)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Very graphic image of a child allegedly killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Paltoday News)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Very graphic image of a child allegedly killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Paltoday News)
  • Siham Yusuf Azara (Al-Rantisi), 66, killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Alaraby News)
  • Graphic image of a child allegedly killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Alaraby News)
  • Funeral for members of the Al-Rantisi family killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Alaraby News)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Body of the child identified as Ibrahim Al-Rantissi who was killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by @TRTArabi)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Body of the child identified as Ibrahim Al-Rantissi who was killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by @TRTArabi)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Body of the child identified as Ibrahim Al-Rantissi who was killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by @TRTArabi)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Body of the child identified as Ibrahim Al-Rantissi who was killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by @PalinfoAr )
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Funeral for members of the Al-Rantisi family killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by @PalinfoAr)
  • Funeral for members of the Al-Rantisi family killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by @PalinfoAr)
  • Raed Ibrahim Al-Rantissi, alleged to be a member of Al Qassam Brigades, was killed along with other members of his family on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by @hananalrefi)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of Ibrahim Al-Rantissi who was killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Fadi Obaid via Facebook)
  • Damage caused by strikes on Rafah on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Mohamamd Al Rantisi)
  • Damage caused by strikes on Rafah on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Mohamamd Al Rantisi)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    The child Ibrahim Al-Rantisi, one of the victims of the Israeli bombing of the Gaza Strip*
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A toy that Ibrahim Mohammed Al-Rantisi was said to be playing with when he was killed in strikes on Rafah on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Abdul Baset via Facebook)
  • Funeral for members of the Al-Rantisi family killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Anadolu Agency)
  • Funeral for members of the Al-Rantisi family killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Anadolu Agency)
  • Funeral for members of the Al-Rantisi family killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Anadolu Agency)
  • Funeral for members of the Al-Rantisi family killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Anadolu Agency)
  • Funeral for members of the Al-Rantisi family killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Anadolu Agency)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Body of the child identified as Ibrahim Al-Rantissi who was killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Anadolu Agency)
  • Funeral for members of the Al-Rantisi family killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Anadolu Agency)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Body of the child identified as Ibrahim Al-Rantissi who was killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Anadolu Agency)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Body of the child identified as Ibrahim Al-Rantissi who was killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Anadolu Agency)
  • Funeral for members of the Al-Rantissi family who was killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Anadolu Agency)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Body of the child identified as Ibrahim Al-Rantissi who was killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Anadolu Agency)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Body of the child identified as Ibrahim Al-Rantissi who was killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Anadolu Agency)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Body of the child identified as Ibrahim Al-Rantissi who was killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Anadolu Agency)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Body of the child identified as Ibrahim Al-Rantissi who was killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Anadolu Agency)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Body of the child identified as Ibrahim Al-Rantissi who was killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Anadolu Agency)
  • Bodies of those killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Anadolu Agency)
  • Children injured in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Shihab)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Body of the child identified as Ibrahim Al-Rantissi who was killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Getty)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Body of the child identified as Ibrahim Al-Rantissi who was killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Getty)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Body of the child identified as Ibrahim Al-Rantissi who was killed in strikes on Al Jeniya neighborhood on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Getty)
  • Members of the Al-Rantisi family mourn the death of their relatives after they were killed on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Getty Images)
  • Palestinians carry the bodies of Raed and Ibrahim Al-Rantisi who were killed along with other members of their family on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Getty Images)
  • Raed Ibrahim Al-Rantissi, an alleged member of Al Qassam Brigades, was killed along with other members of his family on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Getty Images)
  • 14 May, 2021. Funeral of Ibrahim Al-Rantisi. Credit: Yousef Masoud/TheNEWS2/ZUMA Wire/Alamy Live News

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the Al Geneina (حي جنينة) neighbourhood 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 Al Geneina are: 31.272965, 34.267038.

  • Reports of the incident mention the Al Geneina (حي جنينة) neighbourhood of Rafah (رفح‎).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

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
    3 – 4
  • (1–2 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    15
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (38) [ collapse]