Geolocation
Airwars assessment
As many as 49 civilians, including up to 18 children, were killed in the deadliest single event of the May 2021 Israeli – Palestinian conflict, which has become informally known as the ‘Wahda Street Massacre’. Dozens more were injured – as many as 50, according to Sana News – in a series of Israeli airstrikes that hit al-Wahda Street in the Rimal district of Gaza City in the early hours of 16th May 2021.
There are a significant number of reports, including media reporting and eyewitness accounts, of the strikes, which destroyed several residential apartment buildings on the street along with the Gaza Labour Ministry, and damaged the Gaza Ministry of Social Development and the offices of Medicins Sans Frontieres. A 5-storey apartment block belonging to the al-Awf family and containing 10 apartments was totally destroyed causing a large number of civilian casualties, according to the Al Mezan Center for Human Rights. Another apartment block, owned by the al-Kulak family, was also destroyed with a significant loss of life.
Civilian deaths in the strikes were extremely high, given the residential nature of the buildings and the timing of the strikes, with a number of sources (Al Mezan, the New York Times, Amnesty International) reporting them as taking place around 1a.m. Various sources report that as many as 23 members of the al-Kulak family were killed in the strike, including up to nine children; and up to 16 members of the al-Ouf family were killed, including as many as six children. B’Tselem reported that 22 members of the al-Kulak family were killed in two adjacent buildings.
Overall death figures from the strike have continued to climb since the event, with further deaths reported until 5 June, as one victim – Diana Ziad Abu al-Ouf al-Yaziji – succumbed to her wounds in hospital.
Fahad al-Haddad, an emergency medicine specialist at al-Shifa hospital in Gaza told the New Arab, a London-based media outlet, that most of the dead brought to the hospital showed no external signs of injuries, meaning they were killed by the rubble that collapsed on them while they were still alive.
The Norwegian Refugee Council has announced that 11 of the children killed in the Wahda Street strikes were engaged in a psycho-social trauma programme run by them, designed to assist children traumatised by conflict violence.
Given the high number of civilian casualties in the strike, there is an extremely significant amount of biographical evidence for those killed and injured available. Among the dead are Dr Ayman Abu al-Awf, who was head of internal medicine, including Covid-19 response, at Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest in the Gaza Strip. Also killed were Dr Moein al-Awl, widely considered Gaza’s top neurologist, and Rajaa al-Awf, a widely-known psychologist and social worker.
One man lost his wife and four children in the strikes. Mr Ishkontana told the New York Times that although it was late at night and even though the feast celebrating the end of Ramadan was over, Dana Ishkontana, 9, and Lana Ishkontana, 5, wanted to dress up in their new holiday outfits. Their uncle, Raed Ishkontana, snapped pictures on his phone while their two brothers, Yahya Ishkontana, 4, and Zain Ishkontana, 2, watched, Mr. Ishkontana recalled. Then he stepped out to get snacks for the family, chocolate candy bars and potato chips. The four children and their mother were killed in an Israeli airstrike. “I wish I never left,” he said. Several other families lost multiple children, including the al-Kolak sisters (Hala (13), Yara (9) and Rula (6)) and the al-Franji siblings (Dima (15), Yazan (13), Amir (9) and Mira (11)).
B’Tselem collected testimonies from four different witnesses about the attack. Azzam al-Kolak, 41, told B’Tselem, “in a single moment, in the blink of an eye, we lost 22 of our loved ones. We are all innocent. We recieved no warning before the strike.. We’re ordinary citizens and aren’y affiliated with any organisations.”
Riyad Ishkuntana, 42, a father of five who lost his wife and four of his children in the incident told B’Tselem, “I saw a strong red flash and then there was another intense tremor. I ran to the children’s room. My wife was already there, getting them out of the room. Suddenly, the building collapsed. It all fell down, the walls, the pillars, the concrete… A few minutes later, I heard Dana and Zein shouting, “Daddy, Daddy”,” I called out to them. I don’t know if they heard me. After a few moments, I couldn’t hear their voices anymore.”
In the testimony of Rami al-Ifrangi, 45, a father of four who lost his wife and children who were staying with his wife’s family that night on Al-Wahda Street, he said he “immeditately ran over to the Abu al-‘Oaf building, where my wife and four children were. I got there in less than a minute. I saw a shocking, unbearable sight. The building and the street were totally destroyed.”
In the fourth testimony, Buthaynah Ibrahim Na’im al-Qumo, 47, a mother of five who lost her husband in the incident told B’Tselem that they had to stay under the rubble for almost three hours. She spoke of the long-term conditions her children are experiencing after they were both injured in the incident, Khaled’s “condition isn’t good – physically or mentally. He’s scared and stayed at my parents’ house where he feels safer around his uncles. He doesn’t want to turn off the light at night, and he’s also scared to go to the bathroom alone.”
The Israeli military has both admitted to carrying out the strikes and to causing civilian casualties. According to the Wall Street Journal, the Israeli army spokesperson’s office said the strike targeted Hamas’ “underground military infrastructure.” As a result of the strike, “the underground facility collapsed, causing the civilian houses’ foundations above them to collapse as well, leading to unintended casualties.”
The Associated Press reported that Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, an Israeli military spokesman, called the situation that led to the deaths “abnormal.” He said in one location the airstrikes caused a tunnel to collapse, bringing houses down with it, “and that caused a large amount of civilian casualties, which were not the aim.” Conricus also said that the military was analyzing what happened and “attempting to recalibrate” its ordnance to prevent a reoccurrence.
The New York Times reported that according to Colonel Conricus, on the morning of May 16th, several Israeli aircraft fired 11 missiles along a 200-yard stretch of Al Wahda Street, aiming to destroy a tunnel and command centre beneath it. But while most of the adjacent buildings remained standing, the Al-Ouf family’s building collapsed in what the official described as “a freak event.” The military had not known the exact location of the command centre, nor how far it extended under nearby buildings, Colonel Conricus said. When the bombs exploded deep underground, they unexpectedly dislodged the building’s foundations, he added.
The incident occured at approximately 1:00 am local time.
The victims were named as:
Family members (23)
Amin Muhammad Al-Kolak أمين محمد الكلك
90 years old
male
husband of Sa'diyah Yusef Taher al-Kolak
killed
Muhammad Awni Al-Kolak محمد عوني الكلك
17 years old
male
killed
Ayat Ibrahim Al-Kolak آيات ابراهيم الكلك
19 years old
female
Ayat Ibrahim Al-Kolak was married to Sameh Fawaz Al-Kolak and they shared a child, six month old Qusai Sameh Al-Kulak, according to the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights. All three were killed
killed
28 years old
male
Sameh Fawaz Al-Kolak was married to Ayat Ibrahim Al-Kolak and they shared a child, six month old Qusai Sameh Al-Kulak, according to the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights. All three were killed. His father and al least two siblings were also reported among the dead
killed
5 months old years old
male
Qusai Sameh Al-Kulak was the child of Sameh Fawaz Al-Kolak and Ayat Ibrahim Al-Kolak, according to the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
killed
62 years old
male
Fawaz Shukri Al-Kolak was the father of the following three victims, according to the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights. They also reported that he was the father of Sameh Fawaz Al-Kolak who was also killed alongside his wife and child (their deaths are recorded above)
killed
22 years old
male
Abdul Hamid Fawaz Al-Kolak was the son of Fawaz Shukri Al-Kolak and the sibling of Reham Fawaz Al-Kolak, Sameh Fawaz Al-Kolak and Baha’ Amin Al-Kolak, according to the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
killed
32 years old
female
Reham Fawaz Al-Kolak was the daughter of Fawaz Shukri Al-Kolak, and the sister of at least two others who were also killed. Daily Sabah reported that she was working as an engineer in a Palestine Telecommunications company.
killed
Baha’ Amin Al-Kolak بهاء أمين الكلك
48 years old
according to B'Tselem, Baha' Amin Muhammad al-Kolak was the daughter of Amin al-Kolak and Sa'diyah al-Kolak
killed
Sa'diyah Yusef Taher al-Kolak سعدية يوسف الكلك
84 years old
female
husband of Amin Muhammad Hamad al-Kolak
killed
Izzat Moein Al-Kolak عزت معين الكلك
44 years old
male
Izzat Moein Al-Kolak was killed alongside his two young children, according to both Al Haq and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights. Their deaths are recorded below. fundraiser for his only surviving child, 10-year-old Aziz, notes Izzat was a lawyer.
3 years old
male
Adam Ezzat Al-Kolk was the son of Izzat Moein Al-Kolak and the brother of Zaid Ezzat Al-Kolak, sources reported. All three died in the airstrikes
killed
8 years old
male
The deaths of Zaid Ezzat Al-Kolak's father and brother are recorded in the two entries above
killed
Du'aa Omar Al-Kolak (Um Aziz) دعاء عمر الكلك (أم عزيز)
35 years old
female
Du'aa appears to be the mother of Zaid and Adam and the wife of Izzat, whose deaths are all recorded in the entries above. A fundraiser for their only surviving child, 10-year-old Aziz, notes she was a engineer
Amal Jamil Al-Kolak أمل جميل الكلك
42 years old
male
The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights found that Amal Jamil Al-Kolak died alongside her three children; Ahmed, Taher and Hana. Her age differs in the reporting but according to B'Tselem she was 42.
killed
15-17 years old
male
Ahmed Shukri Al-Kolak was the sibling of Hana and Taher, whose deaths are recorded in the two entries below, and the son of Amal Jamil Al-Kolak, recorded above (source: Palestinian Centre for Human Rights). Sources put him between 15 and 17 years of age
killed
Taher Shukri Al-Kolak طاهر شكري الكلك
23 years old
male
Taher Shukri Al-Kolak was killed alongside his mother, Amal Jamil Al-Kolak, and two siblings (source: Palestinian Centre for Human Rights)
killed
Hana Shukri Al-Kolak هنا شكري الكلك
14 years old
female
See more detailed information on the victim's family tree in the entry above
killed
41 years old
male
Sources identified Muhammad Mu’in Al-Kolak's three daughters as Hala, Yara and Rula. All four died in the strikes. Their deaths are recorded in the entries below
killed
12 years old
female
Hala Muhammad Al-Kolak died alongside two siblings and her dad
9 years old
female
Yara Muhammad Al-Kolak was killed alongside her two siblings and father, according to a number of sources
6 years old
female
Rula Muhammad Al-Kolak was killed alongside her two siblings and father, according to a number of sources
Khitam Saleem Al-Kolak ختام سليم الكلك
47 years old
female
daughter in law of Amin and Sa'diyah al-Kolak
killed
Family members (15)
50 years old
male
Dr Ayman Abu al-Awf was head of internal medicine at Al-Shifa Hospital. He was killed alongside his wife, two of his children and several extended family members. Their deaths are recorded in the entries below.
killed
Tala Ayman Abu Al-Awf تالا ايمن ابو العوف
12 years old
female
Tala was the daughter of Dr. Ayman Tawfiq Abu Al-Awf and Reem Ahmed Abu Al-Awf, and the sister of Tawfiq Ayman Abu Al-Awf
killed
Tawfiq Ayman Abu Al-Awf توفيق أيمن أبو العوف
16 years old
male
Tawfiq Ayman Abu Al-Awf was the son of Dr. Ayman Tawfiq Abu Al-Awf and Reem Ahmed Abu Al-Awf, and brother to Tala
killed
Reem Ahmed Abu Al-Awf ريم احمد ابو العوف
39 years old
female
Reem Ahmed Abu Al-Awf was the mother to Tala and Tawfiq and the wife to Dr. Ayman Tawfiq Abu Al-Awf
killed
Majdeh Khalil Abu Al-Awf مجدة خليل أبو العوف
70 years old
Majdeh Khalil Abu Al-Awf was married to Dr. Tawfiq Ismail Abu Al-Awf, according to a Facebook post from Ismail.abualouf, who identified himself as a relative of the family
killed
Dr. Tawfiq Ismail Abu Al-Awf د. توفيق اسماعيل ابو العوف
75 years old
male
Dr. Tawfiq Ismail Abu Al-Awf was married to Majdeh Khalil Abu Al-Awf, according to a Facebook post from Ismail.abualouf, who identified himself as a relative of the family
killed
Sobhia/Subheya Ismail Abu Al-Awf صبحية / صبحية اسماعيل ابو العوف
68-73 years old
female
Rawan Al-'Oaf and Shaimaa al-'Oaf's father's aunt
killed
41 years old
female
Rajaa Subhi Abu Al-Awf was the mother of Dima, Yazan, Amir and Mira Rami Al-Franji. Ismail.abualouf identified himself as Rajaa's brother gave detailed information on the familial ties in a Facebook post.
killed
16 years old
female
killed
13 years old
male
killed
9 years old
male
killed
Mira Rami Al-Franji ميرا رامي الفرنجي
11 years old
female
killed
Diana Ziad Al-Yazji ديانا زياد اليازجي
45 years old
female
Diana Ziad Al-Yazji was the mother of Shaima Al-Awf and Rawan Alaa Abu Al-Awf. Her husband, shopkeeper Alaa Abu al-Ouf, was interviewed from beside her hospital bed by the Washington Post after the strike. She succumbed to injuries shortly after.
killed
21 years old
female
Shaima Al-Awf was killed alongside her sister, Rawan, and mother, Diana. She was dentistry student and engaged to be married, the New York Times found.
killed
19 years old
female
Sources estimated Rawan's age to be between 11 and 19. She was killed alongside her sister. Her mother succumbed to her wounds weeks after the airstrike.
killed
Family members (5)
2 years old
male
Zain Riyad Ashkantna was killed alongside his three siblings; Yahya, Dana and Lana and their mother, Abeer.
killed
4 years old
male
Yahya Riyad Ashkantna was killed alongside his three siblings; Zain, Dana and Lana and their mother, Abeer.
killed
Dana Riad Ashkantna دانا رياض اشكنتنا
9 years old
female
Dana Riyad Ashkantna was killed alongside his three siblings; Zain, Yahya and Lana and their mother, Abeer.
killed
5 years old
female
Lana was killed alongside three siblings and her mother, whose deaths are recorded in the entries above
killed
Abeer Nimr Ashkinna عبير نمر اشكيننا
29-30 years old
female
killed
The victims were named as:
66 years old
male
killed in the al-Ahlamm building, about 500 meters away from the al-'Oaf building with Luay Ahmad 'Odeh below
killed
Luay Muhammad Odeh لؤي محمد عودة
54 years old
male
killed
Hazem Adel Al-Qam’ حازم عادل القمص
48 years old
male
A tenant in the building of the al'Oaf family
killed
Mohammed Ahmed Musbah Ikki محمد أحمد مصباح عكي
39-40 years old
male
owner of a shop in the al-'Oaf building
killed
Summary
Sources (153) [ collapse]
Media
from sources (180) [ collapse]
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Translated image caption: Without warning, the occupation bombed two homes on Al-Wahda Street in Gaza (image via @qudsn)
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Image showing the destruction on al Wahda street from the May 16th, 2021 Israeli airstrikes (image via @qudsn)
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Image showing the destruction on al Wahda street from the May 16th, 2021 Israeli airstrikes (image via @qudsn)
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Translates image caption: This little boy's name is Ahmed Muhammad Al-Yazji, his mother died more than two years ago while she was giving birth to him as a result of a medical error. The little boy was raised by his aunt from the Abu Al-Awf family. His aunt is now in critical condition in Al-Shifa Hospital after the bombing of the Abu Al-Awf family’s house and the martyrdom of many of its members on Al-Wahda Street at dawn today, but he lived (via @S88Ashi)
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Image shows Dima Rami Al-Franji who was killed in Israeli airstrikes on Al Wahda street on May 16th, 2021 (image via @_Ysharaf)
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Image shows a survivor of the Al Wahda street airstrikes that killed up to 49 civilians on May 16th, 2021 (image via @YouthGoDigital)
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Image of a survivor from the Al-Koluk family with the body of a relative. 23 members of the family died in the May 16th, 2021 airstrikes (image via @RamaHaddad_)
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Image of the destruction from the Israeli airstrikes on Al Wahda street on May 16th, 2021 (image via IRNA)
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Image of the destruction from the Israeli airstrikes on Al Wahda street on May 16th, 2021 (image via IRNA)
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Image showing the site of the Al Wahda airstrikes which killed up to 49 civilians on May 16th, 2021 (image via IRNA)
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Image of rescue workers carrying a child from the destruction caused by Israeli airstrikes on May 16th, 2021 (image via IRNA)
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Image showing a child being removed from the rubble in Al Wahda street. Up to 49 civilians died in the airstrikes (image via IRNA) -
One of the sites struck by Israeli airstrikes on May 16th, 2021 (image via Ismail.abualouf)
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Image of Amir Rami Al-Franji who was killed on May 16th, 2021 alongside siblings, his mother and extended family members (image via @201011_man)
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Image of Rajaa Subhi Abu Al-Awf who died in the May 16th, 2021 strikes alongside her four children and numerous other family members (image via @marilynPal48)
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Image of Dima Rami Al-Franji, who died in the Al Wahda street incident on May 16th, 2021 (image via @marilynPal48)
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Image of Rajaa Subhi Abu Al-Awf and her youngest son, Amir. They both died in Israeli airstrikes on Al Wahda street on May 16th, 2021 (image via @fidaazaanin)
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Image shows the body of a child being carried from the rubble caused by Israeli airstrikes on Al Wahda street on May 16th, 2021 (image via Mohammad Sommad) -
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Image shows the body of a child being carried from the rubble caused by Israeli airstrikes on Al Wahda street on May 16th, 2021 (image via Mohammad Sommad) -
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Image shows the body of a child being carried from the rubble caused by Israeli airstrikes on Al Wahda street on May 16th, 2021 (image via Mohammad Sommad) -
1 of 3: Children allegedly injured in an Israeli forces' attack on May 16th 2021. (Image via @wassilaoulmi / Twitter)
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2 of 3: Children allegedly injured in an Israeli forces' attack on May 16th 2021. (Image via @wassilaoulmi / Twitter)
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3 of 3: Children allegedly injured in an Israeli forces' attack on May 16th 2021. (Image via @wassilaoulmi / Twitter) -
1 of 8: Photos taken at Al Wahda Street after an alleged Israeli forces' airstrike which reportedly killed up to 49 people. (Image via IRNA News / May 16th 2021)
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2 of 8: Photos taken at Al Wahda Street after an alleged Israeli forces' airstrike which reportedly killed up to 49 people. (Image via IRNA News / May 16th 2021)
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3 of 8: Photos taken at Al Wahda Street after an alleged Israeli forces' airstrike which reportedly killed up to 49 people. (Image via IRNA News / May 16th 2021)
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4 of 8: Photos taken at Al Wahda Street after an alleged Israeli forces' airstrike which reportedly killed up to 49 people. (Image via IRNA News / May 16th 2021)
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5 of 8: Photos taken at Al Wahda Street after an alleged Israeli forces' airstrike which reportedly killed up to 49 people. (Image via IRNA News / May 16th 2021)
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6 of 8: Photos taken at Al Wahda Street after an alleged Israeli forces' airstrike which reportedly killed up to 49 people. (Image via IRNA News / May 16th 2021)
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7 of 8: Photos taken at Al Wahda Street after an alleged Israeli forces' airstrike which reportedly killed up to 49 people. (Image via IRNA News / May 16th 2021)
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8 of 8: Photos taken at Al Wahda Street after an alleged Israeli forces' airstrike which reportedly killed up to 49 people. (Image via IRNA News / May 16th 2021)
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Two members of the Al-Awf family who were reportedly killed during on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. (Image via Ismail.abualouf / Facebook)
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Three members of the Al-Awf family who were reportedly killed during on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. (Image via Ismail.abualouf / Facebook)
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Two other members of the Al-Awf family who were reportedly killed during on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. (Image via Ismail.abualouf / Facebook)
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Two members of the Al-Awf family who were reportedly killed during on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. (Image via Ismail.abualouf / Facebook)
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1 of 3: @2021_Gaza reported of the casualties from the Israeli forces' airstrikes on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. (Image via Twitter). -
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2 of 3: @2021_Gaza reported of the casualties from the Israeli forces' airstrikes on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. (Image via Twitter). -
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3 of 3: @2021_Gaza reported of the casualties from the Israeli forces' airstrikes on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. (Image via Twitter). -
Ala'a Alsorimi posted on Facebook the photo of some of the victims reportedly killed on May 16th 2021 on Al-Wahda Street. (Image via Facebook).
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1 of 2: @201011_man reported on Twitter of the deaths of children Yazan and Amir Rami Al-Afrangi, killed on Al-Wahda street by an alleged Israeli airstrike on 16th May 2021. (Image via Twitter).
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2 of 2: @201011_man reported on Twitter of the deaths of children Yazan and Amir Rami Al-Afrangi, killed on Al-Wahda street by an alleged Israeli airstrike on 16th May 2021. (Image via Twitter).
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Second image of Dima Rami Al-Franji, who died in the Al Wahda street incident on May 16th, 2021 (image via @marilynPal48)
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Yazan Rami Al Ifranji, killed by an alleged Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021 in Gaza. (Image via @fidaazaanin / Twitter).
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Image of Rajaa Subhi who both died in Israeli airstrikes on Al Wahda street on May 16th, 2021 (image via @fidaazaanin)
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Amir Rami Al-Franji, killed by an Israeli forces airstrike on 16th May 2021. (Image via @Pal_Shaheed / Twitter).
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1 of 15: Mohammad Sommad posted on Facebook photos gathered from the site and the victims of the Al-Wahda Street airstrike attack by Israeli forces' airstrikes. (May 16th 2021).
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2 of 15: Mohammad Sommad posted on Facebook photos gathered from the site and the victims of the Al-Wahda Street airstrike attack by Israeli forces' airstrikes. (May 16th 2021).
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3 of 15: Mohammad Sommad posted on Facebook photos gathered from the site and the victims of the Al-Wahda Street airstrike attack by Israeli forces' airstrikes. (May 16th 2021). -
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4 of 15: Mohammad Sommad posted on Facebook photos gathered from the site and the victims of the Al-Wahda Street airstrike attack by Israeli forces' airstrikes. (May 16th 2021). -
5 of 15: Mohammad Sommad posted on Facebook photos gathered from the site and the victims of the Al-Wahda Street airstrike attack by Israeli forces' airstrikes. (May 16th 2021).
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6 of 15: Mohammad Sommad posted on Facebook photos gathered from the site and the victims of the Al-Wahda Street airstrike attack by Israeli forces' airstrikes. (May 16th 2021).
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7 of 15: Mohammad Sommad posted on Facebook photos gathered from the site and the victims of the Al-Wahda Street airstrike attack by Israeli forces' airstrikes. (May 16th 2021).
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8 of 15: Mohammad Sommad posted on Facebook photos gathered from the site and the victims of the Al-Wahda Street airstrike attack by Israeli forces' airstrikes. (May 16th 2021). -
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9 of 15: Mohammad Sommad posted on Facebook photos gathered from the site and the victims of the Al-Wahda Street airstrike attack by Israeli forces' airstrikes. (May 16th 2021). -
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10 of 15: Mohammad Sommad posted on Facebook photos gathered from the site and the victims of the Al-Wahda Street airstrike attack by Israeli forces' airstrikes. (May 16th 2021). -
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11 of 15: Mohammad Sommad posted on Facebook photos gathered from the site and the victims of the Al-Wahda Street airstrike attack by Israeli forces' airstrikes. (May 16th 2021). -
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12 of 15: Mohammad Sommad posted on Facebook photos gathered from the site and the victims of the Al-Wahda Street airstrike attack by Israeli forces' airstrikes. (May 16th 2021). -
1 of 5: Ahmad Abu Sa'ad posted on Facebook: "A thousand mercy and light upon you, my friend, forgive you and your family. Martyrs of the Al-Wahda Street massacre" (May 16th 2021).
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2 of 5: Ahmad Abu Sa'ad posted on Facebook: "A thousand mercy and light upon you, my friend, forgive you and your family. Martyrs of the Al-Wahda Street massacre" (May 16th 2021).
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3 of 5: Ahmad Abu Sa'ad posted on Facebook: "A thousand mercy and light upon you, my friend, forgive you and your family. Martyrs of the Al-Wahda Street massacre" (May 16th 2021). -
4 of 5: Ahmad Abu Sa'ad posted on Facebook: "A thousand mercy and light upon you, my friend, forgive you and your family. Martyrs of the Al-Wahda Street massacre" (May 16th 2021).
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5 of 5: Ahmad Abu Sa'ad posted on Facebook: "A thousand mercy and light upon you, my friend, forgive you and your family. Martyrs of the Al-Wahda Street massacre" (May 16th 2021).
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1 of 4: @paltimes2015 reported from the funerals of some of the victims of the Israeli forces airstrikes on Al-Wahda Street. (Image via Twiter on May 16th 2021).
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3 of 4: @paltimes2015 reported from the funerals of some of the victims of the Israeli forces airstrikes on Al-Wahda Street. (Image via Twiter on May 16th 2021).
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2 of 4: @paltimes2015 reported from the funerals of some of the victims of the Israeli forces airstrikes on Al-Wahda Street. (Image via Twiter on May 16th 2021).
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4 of 4: @paltimes2015 reported from the funerals of some of the victims of the Israeli forces airstrikes on Al-Wahda Street. (Image via Twiter on May 16th 2021).
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1 of 3: @fidaazaanin reported the deaths of various members of the Al-Ouf family on 16th May 2021 on Al-Wahda Street. (Image via Twitter).
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2 of 3: @fidaazaanin reported the deaths of various members of the Al-Ouf family on 16th May 2021 on Al-Wahda Street. (Image via Twitter)
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3 of 3: @fidaazaanin reported the deaths of various members of the Al-Ouf family on 16th May 2021 on Al-Wahda Street. (Image via Twitter).
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Image of Suzy Riyad, injured in the Israeli airstrikes on Al-Wahda Street, on May 16th 2021. (@OMN_4 / Twitter).
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"Photo of a Palestinian youth being pulled alive from under the rubble of his house" after Israeli airstrikes hit Al-Wahda Street on May 16th 2021. (Image via @rdooan / Twitter).
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Wafa News reported from the destruction at Al-Wahda street on 16th May 2021 (Image via Wafa).
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1 of 3: Sisters, Shymaa and Rawan Abo Al-Ouf and Rawan Alaa Abo Al-Ouf, who were killed in an Israeli forces airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. (Image via @fidaazaanin / Twitter).
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2 of 3: Sisters, Shymaa and Rawan Abo Al-Ouf and Rawan Alaa Abo Al-Ouf, who were killed in an Israeli forces airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. (Image via @fidaazaanin / Twitter).
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3 of 3: Sisters, Shymaa and Rawan Abo Al-Ouf and Rawan Alaa Abo Al-Ouf, who were killed in an Israeli forces airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. (Image via @fidaazaanin / Twitter).
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The destruction to Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021, after an Israeli forces airstrike. (Image via Roya News).
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@fidaazaanin reported the victims of the Israeli forces attack on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. (Image via Twiter)
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1 of 4: @seedra29p showed photos of the destruction in the aftermath of the Israeli forces attack on Al-Wahda street on 16th May 2021. (Image via Twitter).
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2 of 4: @seedra29p showed photos of the destruction in the aftermath of the Israeli forces attack on Al-Wahda street on 16th May 2021. (Image via Twitter).
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3 of 4: @seedra29p showed photos of the destruction in the aftermath of the Israeli forces attack on Al-Wahda street on 16th May 2021. (Image via Twitter).
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4 of 4: @seedra29p showed photos of the destruction in the aftermath of the Israeli forces attack on Al-Wahda street on 16th May 2021. (Image via Twitter).
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1 of 6: Shihab Agency reported from the search operation for those who were still missing after the Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on May 16th 2021.
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2 of 6: Shihab Agency reported from the search operation for those who were still missing after the Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on May 16th 2021. -
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3 of 6: Shihab Agency reported from the search operation for those who were still missing after the Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on May 16th 2021. -
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4 of 6: Shihab Agency reported from the search operation for those who were still missing after the Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on May 16th 2021. -
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5 of 6: Shihab Agency reported from the search operation for those who were still missing after the Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on May 16th 2021. -
"Pictures of medical staff performing funeral prayers for their colleague, Dr. Ayman Abu Al-Auf, who was elevated due to the occupation's bombing of Gaza City", killed in the Israeli forces' strike on Al-Wahda Street on May 16th 2021.
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Shahed Kindergarten reported on students who were victims of an Israeli forces' airstrike, killing up to 49 people on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021 (Image via Facebook).
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1 of 2: The funeral of Diana Ziyad Al-Yaziji and her two daughters, Shaima and Rawan Abu Al-Awf after the Israeli forces' airstrike which hit Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021 (Images via @Alawsavoice_Brk / Twitter).
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2 of 2: The funeral of Diana Ziyad Al-Yaziji and her two daughters, Shaima and Rawan Abu Al-Awf after the Israeli forces' airstrike which hit Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021 (Images via @Alawsavoice_Brk / Twitter).
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1 of 3: @Esraa1997622 showed the destruction after "Israel targeted 5 homes on Al-Wahda Street without warning" (Image via Twitter on 16th May 2021).
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2 of 3: @Esraa1997622 showed the destruction after "Israel targeted 5 homes on Al-Wahda Street without warning" (Image via Twitter on 16th May 2021).
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3 of 3: @Esraa1997622 showed the destruction after "Israel targeted 5 homes on Al-Wahda Street without warning" (Image via Twitter on 16th May 2021).
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Image showing those killed from the Al-Qawlaq family in an Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021. (via Twitter)
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Hala (10), Yara (8) and Rula (6), killed in an Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021 (Image via @husaaaaaaam / Twitter).
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@husaaaaaaam reported members of the Al Kolak family who were killed by Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021 (Image via Twitter).
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Members of the Al-Kolak father who were killed by Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021 (Image via @husaaaaaaam / Twitter).
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Abd El Hameed Al Kolak, reportedly killed in an Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021 (Image via @husaaaaaaam / Twitter)
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Sameh Al-Kolak, reportedly killed by an Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021 (Image via @husaaaaaaam / Twitter)
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"We're not numbers, every martyr is a story." @rabeha_nabeel reported that Shaymaa Abu Al Ouf, 21, and a third year dental student, was killed by Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021 (Image via Twitter).
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1 of 7: Photos from @btselem of the destruction at Al-Wahda street, after an Israeli forces' airstrike killing up to 49 people. (Image via Twitter)
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2 of 7: Photos from @btselem of the destruction at Al-Wahda street, after an Israeli forces' airstrike killing up to 49 people. (Image via Twitter)
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3 of 7: Photos from @btselem of the destruction at Al-Wahda street, after an Israeli forces' airstrike killing up to 49 people. (Image via Twitter)
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4 of 7: Photos from @btselem of the destruction at Al-Wahda street, after an Israeli forces' airstrike killing up to 49 people. (Image via Twitter)
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5 of 7: Photos from @btselem of the destruction at Al-Wahda street, after an Israeli forces' airstrike killing up to 49 people. (Image via Twitter)
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6 of 7: Photos from @btselem of the destruction at Al-Wahda street, after an Israeli forces' airstrike killing up to 49 people. (Image via Twitter)
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7 of 7: Photos from @btselem of the destruction at Al-Wahda street, after an Israeli forces' airstrike killing up to 49 people. (Image via Twitter)
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A colleague of Shimaa Abo Al-Ouf from the College of Dentistry, posted a photo of her, after she was killed by Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021 on Al-Wahda Street (Image via
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1 of 2: Destruction after an Israeli forces' airstrike hit Al-Wahda street on 16th May 2021, killing up to 49 people. (Image via @amaherYAH / Twitter)
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2 of 2: Destruction after an Israeli forces' airstrike hit Al-Wahda street on 16th May 2021, killing up to 49 people. (Image via @amaherYAH / Twitter)
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Riyad Eshkuntana kisses Suzy Eshkuntana are they are treated at the hospital, after being injured in an Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda street on 16th May 2021 (Image via Reuters)
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Suzy Eshkuntana lies in bed in hospital after being injured in an Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda street on 16th May 2021 (Image via Reuters)
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Rescuers search for people in the rubble after the Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021 (Image via Reuters)
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Destruction on Al-Wahda street after an Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021 (Image via Reuters)
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Rescuers help Riyad Eshkuntana after they pulled him from the rubble of a building on Al-Wahda street on 16th May 2021 (Image via Reuters)
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Palestinians performed funeral prayers for a person killed during an Israeli raid on Gaza City on 16th May 2021 (Image via Fatima Shbair / Getty Images)
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Destruction on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021 (Image via Ashraf Amra / Zuma Press)
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Palestinian rescue crews search for victims of Israeli airstrikes on May 16th 2021 (Image via DCIP / Mohammad Abu Rukbeh)
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Dyaa Abo Oun posted a message on Facebook about their colleague, Raja Abu Al Auf, killed on 16th May 2021 in Al-Wahda Street after an Israeli forces' airstrike (Image via @Betelguese100 / Twitter)
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Medical staff at Shifa hospital in Gaza pray for their colleague, Dr Ayman Abu Elouf, Head of Internal Medicine, who was killed by an Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021 (Image via @Betelgeuse100 / Twitter)
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A ball of fire erupts from a building in Gaza City's Rimal residential district on May 16, 2021, during massive Israeli bombardment on the Hamas-controlled enclave. (Photo by Bashar TALEB / AFP)
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Rajaa Abu Al-Ouf, a psychologist and a social worker who was killed with her four children after Israeli forces' airstrikes on 16th May 2021 on Al-Wahda Street (Image via @_Dimii / Twitter)
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Shaymaa Abu Al Ouf, a third year dental student, who was killed on 16th May 2021 on Al-Wahda street (Image via @AyaAlGhazzawi / Twitter)
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Yara Mohammad Al-Kawlak, 9, was killed in an Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda street on 16th May 2021. She was one of the 11 children helped by NRC killed in their homes that day (Image via NRC_MiddleEast / Twitter)
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Dr Ayman Abu Al-Ouf, who was killed in the Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda street on 16th May 2021, smiling with his colleagues (Image via CBC)
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Suzy Ishkontana, 7, and her father, Riad Ishkontana, 42, at Shifa Hospital in Gaza after being injured in the Al-Wahda street on 16th May 2021 (AP Photo / Abdel Kareem Hana)
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Suzy Ishkontana, 7, was rescued from undder the rubble of a destroyed house on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021 (Image via AP Photo / Khalil Hamra)
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Suzy Ishkontana, 7, at Shifa Hospital in Gaza after being injured in an Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021 (Image via AP)
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Riad Eshkuntana and Suzy Eshkuntana in hospital after being injured in an Israeli forces' attack on 16th May 2021 (Image via MEE / Mohammed al-Hajjar)
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Middle East Eye reported a rescuer pulling child out alive from the rubble after an Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021.
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'What I have lost is nothing compared to what my people are losing,' Riad Eshkuntana told Middle East Eye (MEE/Mohammed al-Hajjar)
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Mahmoud Al-Qawlaq, 22, stands in front of the rubble of his house in Al-Wahda Street after it was destroyed on 16th May 2021 in an Israeli forces' airstrike (Image via Mohammed Al-Hajjar/ Mondoweiss)
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Mai Rajab, 22, sits in the living room of her family home on Al-Wahda Street. She said her family is one of the only families that survived the intense bombardment of the neighbourhood by Israeli forces on May 16th 2021 (Image via Mohammed Al-Hajjar / Mondoweiss)
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1 of 4: ITV news reported the victims from the Israeli forces' airstrikes on 16th May 2021, including those on Al-Wahda Street.
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2 of 4: ITV news reported the victims from the Israeli forces' airstrikes on 16th May 2021, including those on Al-Wahda Street.
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3 of 4: ITV news reported the victims from the Israeli forces' airstrikes on 16th May 2021, including those on Al-Wahda Street.
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4 of 4: ITV news reported the victims from the Israeli forces' airstrikes on 16th May 2021, including those on Al-Wahda Street.
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"For twelve hours, Omar Abu al-Ouf, 17, clung to the body of his dead sister as they lay pinned under a patchwork of concrete floors, ceilings and walls that had collapsed on top of them." (Image via Bel Trew)
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1 of 4: Four Palestinian siblings, Dana Reyad Ishkuntna, 9, Lana Reyad Ishkuntna 6, Yehya ReyadIshkuntna 5 Zayen Reyad Ishkuntna, 2, killed in an Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. Their mother, Zayen, was also killed and their brother Omar was injured (Image via @Betelgeuse100 / Twitter).
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2 of 4: Four Palestinian siblings, Dana Reyad Ishkuntna, 9, Lana Reyad Ishkuntna 6, Yehya ReyadIshkuntna 5 Zayen Reyad Ishkuntna, 2, killed in an Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. Their mother, Zayen, was also killed and their brother Omar was injured (Image via @Betelgeuse100 / Twitter).
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3 of 4: Four Palestinian siblings, Dana Reyad Ishkuntna, 9, Lana Reyad Ishkuntna 6, Yehya ReyadIshkuntna 5 Zayen Reyad Ishkuntna, 2, killed in an Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. Their mother, Zayen, was also killed and their brother Omar was injured (Image via @Betelgeuse100 / Twitter).
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4 of 4: Four Palestinian siblings, Dana Reyad Ishkuntna, 9, Lana Reyad Ishkuntna 6, Yehya ReyadIshkuntna 5 Zayen Reyad Ishkuntna, 2, killed in an Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. Their mother, Zayen, was also killed and their brother Omar was injured (Image via @Betelgeuse100 / Twitter).
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The aftermath of an Israeli forces' airstrike in Gaza on 16th May 2021 (Image via Bel Trew)
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Riad Ishkuntina, 42, who lived a floor above Dr Abu Al-Ouf, lost his wife and four of his children in the strike (Image via Bel Trew)
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1 of 4: Destruction in Al-Wahda Street after the Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021 (Image via Deutsche Welle)
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2 of 4: Destruction in Al-Wahda Street after the Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021 (Image via Deutsche Welle)
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3 of 4: Destruction in Al-Wahda Street after the Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021 (Image via Deutsche Welle)
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4 of 4: Destruction in Al-Wahda Street after the Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021 (Image via Deutsche Welle)
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Raed Ishkontana, who survived an airstrike, mourning the loss of his wife and four children. (Image via Hosam Salem for The New York Times)
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Children in the Al-Qawlaq family who were killed in the Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021 (Image via New York Times)
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Children in the Al-Ifranji family who were killed in the Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021 (Image via New York Times)
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Children in the Ishkontana family who were killed in the Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021 (Image via New York Times)
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Children in the Elouf family who were killed in the Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021 (Image via New York Times)
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Mohammad lost 22 members of his family when an explosion damaged his apartment building in Gaza. (ABC News: Tom Joyner )
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Three buildings were destroyed and more than 40 killed on Al Wahda Street. (ABC News: Tom Joyner)
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The IDF said it was trying to target a Hamas underground facility in the air strike that damaged the residential building. (ABC News: Tom Joyner)
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Gaza school commemorates students killed by Israeli forces' strikes (Image via Middle East Eye)
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A psychologist plays with Palestinian girl Suzy Eshkuntana, who was pulled out from the rubble of her house, destroyed by an Israeli air strike during Israeli-Palestinian fighting, as part of a mental health support session in Gaza City, June 3, 2021. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem
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Shoukri Kollaq, who lost three children and his wife in the bombing, recovers in hospital (Image via Bel Trew)
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Rescue workers pull surivors from the rubble of the Abu al-Auf building on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021 (Anadolu Agency via Getty)
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Survivors said they had no knowledge of Hamas facilities nearby. “We have nothing to do with Hamas,” said Shifa Abdel Aal, 71, now the eldest member of the Abul Ouf family. (Image via Samar Abu Elouf for The New York Times)
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Riad Ishkontana survived the attack, but his wife and four of his five children did not. (Image via Hosam Salem for The New York Times)
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"People gathered to mourn 22 members of the al-Qawlaq family, who were killed in another nearby residential building on the same night". Image and caption via the New York Times (Hosam Salem).
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"Doctors festooned the rubble of the building with banners and a picture of Dr. Abul Ouf, one of Gaza’s most prominent physicians." Image and caption via the New York Times (Samar Abu Elouf ).
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"“It’s a well-known address,” said Muhammad el-Shanty, 29, who runs a bakery opposite. “When you call a taxi, you might say, ‘Pick me up by the Abul Ouf Building.’” - The view of the Abul Ouf building from a bakery across the street." Image and caption via the New York Times (Samar Abu Elouf ).
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The last surviving member of Dr. Ouf's family; his son Omar (16). Image via the New York Times (Samar Abu Elouf )
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"Anas al-Yazji climbed on the rubble, searching for Shaimaa Abul Ouf, his fiancée." Image and caption via the New York Times (Hosam Salem).
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"Israeli aircraft fired missiles along a 200-yard stretch of Al Wahda Street, aiming to destroy a tunnel beneath it" Image and caption via the New York Times (Hosam Salem).
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"Riyad Ishkintna and his only surviving child Suzie" - posted online by the Elecctronic Intifada; the strike killed almost every member of his family: "His wife, 29-year-old Abir Ishkintna and their children Dana, 9, Lana, 5, Yahya, 4 and 2-year-old Zein"
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"The al-Ifranji children killed in the 16 May massacre. From left to right, Dima, 15, Yazan, 13, Mira, 11 and 9-year-old Ameer" - posted by Electronic Intifada.
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The children killed in reported Irsaeli strikes on Al Wahda street; published by the Irish Times.
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"Aziz Al-Kolak is 10 years old. He and his family — civilians — were victims in an Israeli bombing on May 16 that left him stuck in rubble for six hours. He survived, but 23 members of his family — including both his parents and both his younger siblings — did not." - Image and caption via Zakat.org
Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]
Reports of the incident mention a residential building being struck in Al Wehda (الوحدة ) street. Analyzing audio-visual material from sources we have narrowed down this location to these exact coordinates: 31.520335, 34.448134.