Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Belligerent
Country
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident Code

ISPT0317

Incident date

October 18, 2023

Location

محيط بنك الإنتاج, Vicinity of the Production Bank, Gaza, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.512599, 34.453029 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Around 2:29 AM on Wednesday, October 18th 2023, at least 21 civilians, members of the Sakeek family, including at least ten children and six women, were reportedly killed and a number of others were wounded in an alleged Israeli airstrike on their home on Omar al-Mukhtar Street, opposite the production bank in Gaza City, Gaza Strip.

Initial reportage from Shehab Agency, al-Mayadeen, Nabd and PaltodayTV stated that there were “martyrs and wounded” as a result of the alleged bombing, with al Aqsa Voice stating that there were a “number of casualties.”

Videos shared on social media showed ambulances and rescue workers rushing to the site of the bombing in darkness, with another source sharing a video of the rubble and destruction in the aftermath of the reported strike. A neighbor and relative of the Sakeek family stated that they were consoling their “neighbor, brother and friend Abdul Rahman Sakeek” after most of their family members were martyred in the bombing that allegedly occurred “while they were sleeping.”

A family relative Mohammed Saleem Skaik shared on Facebook the images of numerous bodies of the victims wrapped in shrouds and placed in the back of a van and later in a ditch on the ground and wrote that more than 25 members of his family were killed: “God granted martyrdom to the cousins of my family last night in a barbaric bombing, where more than 25 of them were martyred. Scenes that cannot be described and cannot be abandoned, but our only consolation is that they are in a paradise as wide as the heavens and the earth.”

Surviving members of the family posted the names of 21 people killed in the bombing, with user Abu Jalal sharing an image of a middle-aged bearded man and stating that “Amjad Sakeek and his entire family were martyrs.”

A family grandfather Hajj Muhy al-Din Abdel Rahman Muhy al-Din Sakeek (Abu al-Abd) (78) was killed alongside his sons Hajj Amjad Muhy al-Din Abdel Rahman Sakeek (42) and Muhammad Muhiddeen Abdel Rahman Sakeek (33), his daughter-in-law (wife of Amjad) Iman Gamal Abd al-Qadir Sakeek (40) and Amjad and Iman’s children Muhiddeen Amjad Muhiddeen Sakeek (13) and Mena Amjad Muhiddeen Sakeek (15).

The deadly attack also killed Muhammad’s wife Dina Alaa Ibrahim Sakeek (32) along with Dina and Muhammad’s children Ali Muhammad Muheisen Sakeek (6) and Tala Muhammad Muheisen Sakeek (4).

Among the killed victims were also a daughter-in-law of Abu al-Abd Inas Ramzi Muhammad Sakeek (37) married to his son Saad, with their four children – Ayyam Saadallah Bahaa Al-Din Sakeek (13), Karam Saadallah Bahaa Al-Din Sakeek (11), Bahaa Al-Din Saadallah Bahaa Al-Din Sakeek (17), and Kareem Saadallah Bahaa Al-Din Sakeek (11).

Within the related family, Hajj Baha’al-Din Abdel Rahman Muhayyis Sakeek (Abu Saad) (72) was killed alongside his wife Wissam Muhammad Khaleel Sakeek (61), their daughter Noor Bahaa al-Din Abdel Rahman Sakeek (38), their son Abdullah Bahaa al-Din Abdel Rahman Sakeek (Abu Omar) (34), Abdullah’s wife Dana Hashem Saadi Sakeek (30), as well as Abdullah and Dana’s children – their son Anas Abdullah Bahaa Al-Din Sakeek (1) and their daughter Joan Abdullah Bahaa Al-Din Sakeek (6).

Social media user Abu Mohammad shared an image of Baha’al-Din Sakeek (Abu Saad) – an elderly, clean-shaven man standing at a religious lectern – and revealed that he was the Muezzin for their mosque.

Colleagues of Abu Mohammad’s son Abdullah Sakeek (Abu Omar) mourned his death, sharing that he was the financial auditor of the Qawafil Al-Khair Association, and posted a video of him, a smiling, cheerful middle-aged man. A friend of the late Abdullah Mahmoud AliHasan posted on Facebook his last conversation with him and wrote that Abdullah was “a boy in whom all types of goodness were combined.” His wife Dana and their children were remembered in a Facebook tribute by Mariam Ghaith who mourned their death “as a result of the bombing of their house in Gaza at dawn.”

Other images of the victims shared included elderly men and young boys, with user Hasen posting an image of Abu Omar Sakeek Shahid – a smiling, bearded man – with the caption Goodbye, my dear heart…May God have mercy on you and accept you, my beloved.”

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

Where sources identified the belligerents all 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 2:29 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (21)

Hajj Muhy al-Din Abdel Rahman Muhy al-Din Sakeek (Abu al-Abd) محي الدين عبد الرحمن سكيك
78 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 930950431
Hajj Amjad Muhy al-Din Abdel Rahman Sakeek أمجد محي الدين سكيك
42 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 906760764
Muhammad Muhiddeen Abdel Rahman Sakeek محمد محي الدين سكيك
33 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 802502542
Iman Gamal Abd al-Qadir Sakeek إيمان سكيك أبو النور
40 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 800049520
Muhiddeen Amjad Muhiddeen Sakeek محي الدين أمجد سكيك
13 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 429924400
Mena Amjad Muhiddeen Sakeek منة محي الدين أمجد سكيك
15 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 426335873
Dina Alaa Ibrahim Sakeek دينا سكيك أبو شعبان
32 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 803274729
Ali Muhammad Muheisen Sakeek علي محمد سكيك
6 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 438280240
Tala Muhammad Muheisen Sakeek تالا محمد سكيك
4 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 441039146
Inas Ramzi Muhammad Sakeek إيناس سكيك
37 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 801501909
Ayyam Saadallah Bahaa Al-Din Sakeek أيهم سعد سكيك
13 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 429724644
Karam Saadallah Bahaa Al-Din Sakeek كرم سعد سكيك
11 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 433194438
Kareem Saadallah Bahaa Al-Din Sakeek كريم سعد سكيك
11 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 433194453
Bahaa Al-Din Saadallah Bahaa Al-Din Sakeek بهاء سعد سكيك
17 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 424139061
Hajj Baha'al-Din Abdel Rahman Muhayyis Sakeek (Abu Saad) بهاء الدين عبد الرحمن سكيك
72 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 930950456
Wissam Muhammad Khaleel Sakeek وسام سكيك حسن
61 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 910970680
Noor Bahaa al-Din Abdel Rahman Sakeek نور بهاء الدين سكيك
38 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 800560518
Abdullah Bahaa al-Din Abdel Rahman Sakeek (Abu Omar) عبد الله بهاء الدين سكيك
34 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 802427831
Dana Hashem Saadi Sakeek دانا سكيك الشوا
30 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 804465292
Anas Abdullah Bahaa Al-Din Sakeek أنس عبد الله سكيك
1 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 444888234
Joan Abdullah Bahaa Al-Din Sakeek جوان عبد الله سكيك
6 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 438327900

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    21 – 26
  • (10 children6 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 (26) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (22) [ collapse]

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    Source: @Mansorryaan
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    Source: Aelam
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    Source: Aelam
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    Source: Aelam
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    Source: Mahmud
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    Source: Hasen
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    Source: Maiam
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    Source: Mohammad
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    Source: Mohey
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    Source: Shahin
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    Source: Shahin
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    Source: Shahin
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    Source: Shahin
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    Source: Shahin
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    Source: Shahin
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    Source: Familyskaik
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    Source: Abu jalal
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    Source: Jamal
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    Source: Abu mohammad
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Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the vicinity of the Production Bank (بنك الإنتاج) to the west of Gaza city (غزة), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.512599, 34.453029. 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 harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    21 – 26
  • (10 children6 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 (26) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0314

Incident date

October 18, 2023

Location

مخبز البنا, Al Banna Bakery, Deir al Balah, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.450261, 34.389024 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At 1:34 AM on Wednesday October 18th 2023, at least three young civilian men, including the owner of a bakery, were reported killed and at least 10 others were injured in an alleged Israeli airstrike on the al Nuseirat automated bakery “Al-Banna”  located in the center of Suf al-Nuseirat in the central Gaza strip. Orient News and Araby TV reported that the bakery was considered one of the largest in Gaza and provided bread to a large number of Palestinians, including the displaced people and residents of the al-Nuseirat refugee camp.

Friends, relatives and local sources on social media shared the names of the victims killed – the owner of the al Nuseirat bakery 46-year old Mukhlis al-Zari’i (Abu Iyad), a 24-year old man Ahmed Zaher al-Banna, and a 26-year old man Suhaib Muhammad Wasfi al-Banna.

Shehab Agency initially reported on the death of two civilians in the bombing. It later wrote that the number of civilians killed “has risen to 3.” Al Mayadeen News and sources on social media noted that the Al-Banna bakery was bombed while its workers were still inside, with some sources, including Quds News, adding that the bakery was completely destroyed. Euro News and al Hadath shared videos of the fiery deluge that enveloped the bombed structure.

A Twitter/X user @AboodEmad__ said that the bakery was “the best bakery we use in this situation because it is faster than other bakeries, and even though there are queues and turns, it alleviates the crisis a little,” sharing an image of the completely destroyed building with only its sign intact. A Facebook user Mar’i Bashir said that “even the bakery where I feed people bread with the remaining flour they bombed until we died of hunger”.

Roaamedia reported on “a number of martyrs and wounded” arriving at the al-Aqsa hospital. The AWDA Health Committee shared images of the injured being taken within the hospital, saying “the arrival of one martyr and ten injuries as a result of the bombing.” Sources did not provide details for those injured in the bombing.

Mukhlis al-Zari’i (Abu Iyad) was remembered in a Facebook tribute by the radio station “Voice of the Nation” (WA105FM) as “the good man”. He is seen on the attached image as a smiling bearded young man with a portrait of Yasser Arafat behind him. Khamis Khuseyn (Abu al’-Abd) and other Facebook users shared an image of the other victim, Ahmed Zahir Al-Banna – a young bearded man in an elegant suit and red tie. The death of Suhaib Muhammad Wasfi al-Banna was also mourned by his many friends who shared images of a young smiling bearded man.

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

Where sources identified the belligerents, all 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 1:34 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Mukhlis Ali Muhammad al-Zari’i مخلص علي محمد الزريعي
46 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 901692913
Suhaib Muhammad Wasfi al-Banna صهيب محمد وصفي البنا
26 years old killed Matched to MoH ID 403021603
Ahmed Zaher Muhammad al-Banna أحمد زاهر البنا
24 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 405185323

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    IDP or refugee camp, Marketplace
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • 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
    Food
    Impact on services or infrastructure relating to education, health or food supply. See methodology note for details.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (43) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (55) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @AboodEmad__
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    Source: @Kareemkamal3211
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    Source: @TZ00G
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    Source: @OrientNews
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    Source: @qudsn
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    Source: @qudsn
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    Source: @qudsn
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    Source: @qudsn
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    Source: Kbariti69
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    Source: Kbariti69
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    Source: Hadith
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    Source: Awdaps
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    Source: Awdaps
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    Source: Awdaps
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    Source: Awdaps
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    Source: Awdaps
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    Source: Kolonaalwatan
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    Source: ADAMADAM1995
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    Source: Abèdlmadjid
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    Source: new world
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    Source: new world
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    Source: new world
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    Source: new world
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    Source: new world
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    Source: new world
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    Source: new world
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    Source: Talal
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    Source: Basma
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    Source: WA105FM
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    Source: Khamis
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    Source: Abdullah
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    Source: Nuseirat103
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    Source: Nuseirat103
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    Source: Ahmadkh
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    Source: Ahmed
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    Source: Ahmed
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    Source: Ashraf.abu.mohammed
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    Source: Ashraf.abu.mohammed
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    Source: Ashraf.abu.mohammed
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    Source: Ahmed
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    Source: Amani
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Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the Al Banna Bakery (أبراج الندى) in Nuseirat camp (مخيم النصيرات). Analysing audio-visual material from sources, we have narrowed the location down to the following exact coordinates: 31.450261, 34.389024.

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  • Imagery:
    @qudsn

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
    IDP or refugee camp, Marketplace
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • 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
    Food
    Impact on services or infrastructure relating to education, health or food supply. See methodology note for details.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (43) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0319

Incident date

October 18, 2023

Location

عمارة الننام, Al Namnam building, Deir al Balah, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.449032, 34.391112 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An apartment belonging to Abu Rukba family located on the fifth floor of the five-storey Al-Namnam building on Faraj Allah Street in Al-Nuseirat Camp, Gaza Strip, was hit by an alleged strike around 10 PM on Wednesday, 18 October 2023, reportedly killing up to two civilians, including a 14-year-old child, and injuring two civilians. Photos on social media showed a building collapsed into a pile of rubble.

Shehab News Agency and Al-Mayadeen reported a bombing of the building and the death of a child whose body was delivered to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. A Twitter/X user @YouthGoDigital shared an image showing the transportation of the child’s body in an ambulance. He also reported about the two civilians killed in the strike along with a Facebook user Haithem Abu Moaz.

According to the Twitter/X user @_Ahmad_mazen, there were two burn injuries resulting from the explosion following the attack.

None of the sources attributed the attack to any specific belligerent, therefore Airwars classifed Strike Status as Contested and Civilian Harm Status as Contested until more information comes to light.

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 10:00 pm local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    IDP or refugee camp
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Israeli Military, Palestinian Militants

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @YouthGoDigital
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Rbab
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention an alleged strike on the al Namnam building (عمارة الننام) in Nuseirat camp (مخيم النصيرات), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.449032, 34.391112. 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

Palestinian Militants Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Palestinian Militants
  • Palestinian Militants position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    IDP or refugee camp
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Israeli Military, Palestinian Militants

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0320

Incident date

October 18, 2023

Location

جوار مدرسة أحمد عبد العزيز, Vicinity of Ahmed Abdul Aziz School, Khan Younis, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.339303, 34.306151 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In the evening of Wednesday, October 18th 2023, an alleged Israeli airstrike on a yard outside the Ahmed Abdul Aziz School killed at least five civilians, including two children and three men, and reportedly injured between 12 to 40 people. The school hosted displaced civilians from Northern Gaza. The death toll may be significantly higher than five civilians as Masrawy news wrote about “dozens of martyrs and wounded”, and a correspondent of AlGhadTV reported about 40 injured people.

The school was located west of the town of Khan Yunis.

Al Jazeera posted on the Twitter/X social media platform a video showing injured people being transported to hospitals. Al Arabiya correspondent reported that civil protection crews were heading to the school.

The attack killed children of  a man named Ali Al-Qara; his 15-year old daughter Najla Ali Muhammad Al-Qara and 5-year old son Zein Ali Muhammad Al-Qara. According to Majeddiyab Facebook post, they were originally from the town of Khuza’a and were displaced to the Ahmed Abdul Aziz school. Their father Ali Al-Qara wrote a heartfelt testimony on Facebook mourning the loss of his children. He also shared an image of Zein – a young boy in a t-shirt and yellow jacket.

Najla Al-Qara was known for her high school success  –  Anwaa Alrhel wrote about her achievements in a Facebook tribute and shared an image of a girl holding a certificate in her hands surrounded by her teachers or relatives.

According to the social media tributes, among the victims of the attack were also three men –  Ali Muhammad Suleiman Abu Rizq, Hisham Abu Rida, and Ahmed Al-Ghouti.  According to the Twitter/X post by @KareemQaddura, Hisham and Ahmed were also displaced from Northern Gaza.

The deaths of Ali Muhammad Suleiman Abu Rizq and Ahmed Al-Ghouti were mourned in many Facebook posts. A Facebook post by user Ali said “We count you among the martyrs before God. Beloved friend Ali Muhammad Abu Rizq”. From the attached image the late Ali Abu Rizq is seen as a middle-aged bearded man in a black t-shirt. A Facebook post by user Wesam featured an image of the dead body of Ali Muhammad wrapped in a white cloth stained with blood. Ahmed Al-Ghouti’s cousin Saaed shared an image of a young Ahmed Al-Ghouti where he was standing near a red car.

Where sources identified the belligerent, all sources attributed the strikes to Israeli forces. The exact time of the strike is unknown.

Airwars matched all the named victims 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 in the evening.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Najla Ali Muhammad Al-Qara نجلاء علي محمد القرا
15 years old female daughter of Ali Al-Qara killed Matched to MoH ID 426116406
Zein Ali Muhammad Al-Qara زين علي محمد القرا
5 years old male son of Ali Al-Qara killed Matched to MoH ID 440745321

The victims were named as:

Ali Muhammad Suleiman Abu Rizq علي محمد سليمان أبو رزق
36 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 801732413
Hisham Abu Rida هشام أبو ريده
19 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 409735438
Ahmed Al-Ghouti أحمد الغوطي
28 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 403275738

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    IDP or refugee camp, School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 24
  • (2 children3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–40
  • 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 (44) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (27) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ali
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Wesam
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Wesam
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Beso86press
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Beso86press
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Al-Sharq Palestine
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Al-Sharq Palestine
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Al-Sharq Palestine
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Saeed Al-Ghouti
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mohamed Ahmed
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Hani Abu Mustafa
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Belal M. Alfaqawi
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Belal M. Alfaqawi
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Anwaa Al-Rahil
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ali Hassan Kullab
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Nana Mohammed
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ali Al-Qara Abu Omar
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the vicinity of Ahmed Abdul Aziz School (مدرسة أحمد عبد العزيز) to the west of Khan Younis (خان يونس), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.339303, 34.306151. 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
    IDP or refugee camp, School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 24
  • (2 children3 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–40
  • 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 (44) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0336

Incident date

October 18, 2023

Location

منزل بالقرب من الحايك بشارع الثلاثينى وسط مدينة غزة, a house near Al-Hayek on Al-Thalatheni Street in central Gaza City, Gaza strip, Gaza City, the Gaza Strip

Airwars assessment

On Wednesday, October 18th 2023, an unknown number of civilians were killed and wounded in an alleged Israeli airstrike on a house near al-Hayek on al-Thalatheni street in central Gaza City.

Shehab Agency and Amad news reported on the strike, stating that there were a “number of martyrs and wounded” as a result of the bombing, with sources on social media echoing the same. Sources did not specify the exact number or details of civilians killed or wounded. In line with our methodology, Airwars has put the casualty range to at least two civilians killed and wounded, and will update this incident should more information come to light.

Only one unique source attributed the strike to Israeli forces, therefore Airwars has categorized the strike status as a single source claim.

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.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0337

Incident date

October 18, 2023

Location

منزلاً لعائلة أبو عميرة بجوار مضخة العلمي في مخيم جباليا, Abu Amira family home next to the al-Alami pump in Jabalia camp, Gaza strip, Jabalia, the Gaza Strip

Airwars assessment

On Wednesday, October 18th 2023, 24 civilians were reported injured in an alleged Israeli airstrike on the home of the Abu Amira family next to a pump on al-Alami street, Jabalia Camp, Gaza strip.

Safa news reported that the home was bombed “on the heads of its residents” and that there were “a number of injured people”, with sources on local and social media including the Ministry of the Interior in Gaza corroborating the same.

Rabab Abu Hatab posted that “there were injuries” from the strike, while the North Gaza District Police stated that 24 injured people were transported away from the site of the strike, “their condition described as moderate to good.” Sources did not specify any further details about the civilians injured.

Where sources identified the belligerent, all 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 local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    IDP or refugee camp
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    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 (6) [ collapse]

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
    IDP or refugee camp
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    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 (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0300

Incident date

October 17, 2023

Location

محيط ملعب برقة, Vicinity of Burqa Stadium, Rafah, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.285973, 34.253723 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On October 17th 2023, 12 civilians from the same family, including five women and three children, were reportedly killed and an unknown number of others were injured in an alleged Israeli airstrike on the Al-Khawaja family home located in Al-Shaboura refugee camp in central Rafah near Burqa Stadium.

Safa News reported that “more than 10 unarmed civilians” were killed while Alarabiya Palestine identified 12 members of the Al-Khawaja family killed, along with images of their bodies wrapped in white shrouds and the funeral service. According to Aymen abo hatab al hawa, the funeral prayer was carried out at Al-Farouq Mosque in Al-Shaboura Camp and the burial occurred at Sultan Hill Cemetery.

A Facebook post by Musab Mohammad has identified all 12 of the victims. Hassan Mahmoud Al-Khawaja (Abu Ali) and his son, 29 year old Ibrahim Hassan Al Khawaja, were killed in the strike.

Hassan’s brother 54 year old Saber Mahmoud Al-Khawaja, his wife 50 year old Amal Abdul Aziz Al Khawaja and their children, 28 year old Muhammad Saber Al-Khawaja, 23 year old Asmaa Saber Al Khawaja and 20 year old Iman Saber Al Khawaja were also among those killed.

In addition, Hassan’s daughter-in-law 32 year old Walaa Muhammad Al-Khawaja Adwan (wife of Mahmoud Hassan Al-Khawaja) and her daughters 2 year old Sila Mahmoud Hassan Al-Khawaja and 9 year old Sarah Mahmoud Hassan Al-Khawaja were also all killed in the strike.

Hassan’s grandson Khaled Muhammad Fathi Jabr (child, son of Amaal Almahmoud) has also been identified and described as ‘the cutest and sweetest child in the world’ in a Facebook post by user Leqa Al Saadi. Lega’s post added that Khaled was finally born after 5 years of trying, and he had a twin brother named Adam who passed away a few hours after his birth. Khaled is pictured in his school uniform wearing a backpack.

A further Facebook post by Eman abu Koush paid tribute to 30 year old Manal Musa Mustafa Al-Khawaja Abu Armana (wife of Ali Hassan Al-Khawaka) who was among those killed and ‘prayed for mercy for her daughters’.

Multiple sources reported that “injuries” resulted from the strike. However, none provided an exact number of injuries.

The five-floor residential building reportedly provided refuge to families who had been displaced, with one source reporting that over 50 members of the Al-Khawaja were in the building. Images distributed on Facebook capture locals recovering the dead and injured from the rubble.

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.

Where sources identified the belligerent, all 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 local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (12)

Hassan Mahmoud Al-Khawaja حسن محمود الخواجة
Adult male killed
Ibrahim Hassan Al Khawaja ابراهيم حسن الخواجة
29 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 804766228
Saber Mahmoud Al-Khawaja صابر محمود الخواجة
54 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 958567596
Amal Abdul Aziz Al Khawaja مل عبد العزيز الخواجة
50 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 931685655
Muhammad Saber Al-Khawaja محمد صابر الخواجة
28 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 400873030
Asmaa Saber Al Khawaja اسماء صابر الخواجة
23 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 405948134
Iman Saber Al Khawaja ايمان صابر الخواجة
20 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 408716926
Walaa Muhammad Al-Khawaja Adwan ولاء محمد الخواجا عدوان
32 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 803276187
Sila Mahmoud Hassan Al-Khawaja سيلا محمود حسن الخواجة
2 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 445257033
Sarah Mahmoud Hassan Al-Khawaja سارة محمود حسن الخواجة
9 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 433569365
Khaled Muhammad Fathi Al-Khawaja Jabr خالد محمد فتحي الخواجا جبر
Child male killed
Manal Musa Mustafa Al-Khawaja Abu Armana منال موسي مصطفي الخواجا أبوعرمانة
30 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 804429181

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    IDP or refugee camp
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12
  • (3 children5 women4 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 (29) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (30) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Adle abo batta
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mahmoud elmassri
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mahmoud elmassri
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mahmoud elmassri
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Asad al shareq
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Asad al shareq
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Asad al shareq
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Asad al shareq
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Asad al shareq
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Asad al shareq
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Asad al shareq
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Asad al shareq
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Asad al shareq
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Asad al shareq
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @Palestine202229
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @Palestine202229
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Alarabiya Palestain
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Alarabiya Palestain
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Alarabiya Palestain
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Alarabiya Palestain
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Alarabiya Palestain
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Alarabiya Palestain
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Alarabiya Palestain
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Alarabiya Palestain
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Alarabiya Palestain
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Fady KH
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Abo mohammad mesara
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Abo mohammad mesara
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Leqa al saadi
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the vicinity of Burqa Stadium (ملعب برقة) in Rafah (رفح). Analysing audio-visual material from sources, we have narrowed the location down to the following exact coordinates: 31.285973, 34.253723

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  • Imagery:
    AFP News Agency

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
    IDP or refugee camp
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12
  • (3 children5 women4 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 (29) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0310

Incident date

October 17, 2023

Location

منزل عائلة الأسطل خلف الكتيبة بخان يونس, Al-Astal family’s house behind the battalion in Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip, the Gaza Strip

Airwars assessment

On October 17th 2023, a young male civilian was reportedly killed in an alleged Israeli airstrike on the Al-Astal family home behind the battalion in Khan Yunis.

Posts circulated on social media have paid tribute and shared an image of the victim, 20 year old Rakan Khaled Muhammad Abdul Aziz Al-Astal. In one post, the user, Leena Alqedrah, offered their prayers to Rakan’s family.

A further Facebook post by user Khaled Abdel Salam Abu Walid reported that the funeral was planned for ‘tomorrow, Wednesday, at ten o’clock at the Austrian Stadium’.

News reporting and Twitter/X posts, such as from user @PalinfoAr on the day of the incident, reported that there were martyrs and injuries from the strike. However, there is no further detail on the wounded or additional victims killed.

In cases where sources attributed responsibility for the strike, they held the Israeli military responsible.

Airwars has matched the victim’s name 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:

Rakan Khaled Muhammad Abdul Aziz Al-Astal ركان خالد محمد عبد العزيز الاسطل
20 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 408022168

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (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 (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Khaled Abdel Salam Abu Walid

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
    1 – 2
  • (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 (12) [ collapse]