Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

M21ISPT093

Incident date

May 17, 2021

Location

عبسان الجديدة, Absan Al Jadida, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.341120, 34.344171 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Ahmed Fayez Arafat (28-30), claimed by Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigade to be a member, was killed and further civilian injuries, at least one, were reported in an Isreali drone strike in the farmlands in Absan Al Jadid on May 17,2021 at around 12:30 pm.

Wada PS News reported on the Israeli attack, stating that Ahmed Arafat was killed during the attack on a group of citizens in Absan al-Jadidah, east of Khan Younis. Several local sources stated that others were injured, whilst AqsaTv Channel specified that one other civilian was injured and Al Mezan news reported that others suffered light injuries.

The Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigade identified Ahmed Fayed Hassam Arafat as one of their members, referring to him as a “Mujahid Qassami”. Various sources refer to Ahmed as being a citizen and as being amongst a group of citizens but do not refer to him as a civilian.

All of the sources that reported on the incident attributed the strikes to Israel.

The incident occured at approximately 12:30 pm local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (31) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (9) [ collapse]

  • Ahmed Fayez Arafat, an alleged member of Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigade, was killed in Israeli strikes on Absan Al Jadid on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by @uzisall)
  • Ahmed Fayez Arafat, an alleged member of Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigade, was killed in Israeli strikes on Absan Al Jadid on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by @muhammedobuowda)
  • Ahmed Fayez Arafat, an alleged member of Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigade, was killed in Israeli strikes on Absan Al Jadid on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by @AlmakdesyMedia)
  • Ahmed Fayez Arafat, an alleged member of Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigade, was killed in Israeli strikes on Absan Al Jadid on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by Qassam PS)
  • Ahmed Fayez Arafat, an alleged member of Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigade, was killed in Israeli strikes on Absan Al Jadid on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by Qassam PS)
  • Ahmed Fayez Arafat, an alleged member of Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigade, was killed in Israeli strikes on Absan Al Jadid on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by Qassam PS)
  • Ahmed Fayez Arafat, an alleged member of Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigade, was killed in Israeli strikes on Absan Al Jadid on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by Qassam PS)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention agricultural land being struck in Absan Al Jadid (عبسان الجديدة), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.341120, 34.344171. 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, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (31) [ collapse]