Israel and Gaza 2023

Israel and Gaza 2023

Satellite imagery, screenshot from Google Earth, October 2023

Belligerent
Palestinian Militants
Country
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Civilian deaths confirmed by belligerent

Incident Code

PALIS006

Incident date

May 11, 2021

Location

اسدود, Ashdod, Israel

Geolocation

31.785006, 34.629761 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An alleged Palestinian rocket struck a private home in the city of Ashdod, southern Israel on May 11th, 2021 injuring between two and nine civilians, including a child, according to local reports.

Ashdod Net said rescue workers and staff at the Assuta Hospital attended to nine patients with minor injuries, including one child.

@manniefabian reported that there were “2 light injuries according to initial reports”.

The strike came as part of a wave of rocket attacks against the cities of Ashdod and Ashkelon. Police announced that two rockets had struck the city of Ashdod according to Emanuel Fabia, a journalist with The Times of Israel. There were reports of as many as 11 casualties reaching hospitals in the city of Ashdod however it was not possible to say which strikes these casualties were attributed to, and so are not included in this assessment.

Ashdod Net uploaded a video from the scene of the alleged strike which showed extensive damage to the interior of a building.

The incident is believed to have taken place in the late afternoon. Various sources alleged that the rocket was launched from the Gaza Strip and by the “resistance”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–9
  • 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
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (7) [ collapse]

  • Smoke from a home in Ashdod struck by a rocket on May 11, 2021. (Image posted by @aljarmaqnet)
  • Smoke from a home in Ashdod struck by a rocket on May 11, 2021. (Image posted by @manniefabian)
  • Destruction to a home in Ashdod struck by a rocket on May 11, 2021. (Image posted by @manniefabian)
  • Smoke from a home in Ashdod struck by a rocket on May 11, 2021. (Image posted by @manniefabian)
  • Smoke from a home in Ashdod struck by a rocket on May 11, 2021. (Image posted by @manniefabian)
  • Smoke from a home in Ashdod struck by a rocket on May 11, 2021. (Image posted by Ashdodnet News)

Geolocation notes (5) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a residential building being struck in Ashdod (אשדוד). Analyzing audio-visual material from sources, we have narrowed down the location of the strike to these exact coordinates: 31.785006, 34.629761.

  • Reports of the incident mention a residential building being struck in Ashdod (אשדוד).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • Tagged visual material from sources.

    Imagery:
    @manniefabian

  • Distribution of tags in available Google Street View imagery.

    Imagery:
    Google Maps

  • Tagged visual material from sources.

    Imagery:
    @aljarmaqnet

  • Distribution of tags in available Google Street View imagery.

    Imagery:
    Google Maps

Palestinian Militants Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–9
  • 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
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

PALIS005

Incident date

May 11, 2021

Location

حولون, Intersection of Sokolov St. and Kugel St., Holon, Israel

Geolocation

32.0227673, 34.7747835 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

As many as eight to eighteen civilians were injured and at least one civilian was killed by a rocket allegedly fired from Gaza which struck the city of Holon, Central Israel, at around 9pm on May 11th, 2021, according to local media reports.

Mynet reported that the rocket struck next to the line 4 bus injuring four passengers critically. Mako News reported that eight people were evacuated to hospital including a 30 year old woman, 50 year old man, and a 5 year old girl.

Mynet named the girl Orian and reported her twin brother was also injured in the attack.

Mynet also reported that “six people were injured at the scene” but a “total of 18 patients came from the inident, of which 1 was severe in the operating room and 1 severe in the shock room.”

Spartak Zevulun, a local shopkeeper who was outside his store when the rocket struck, gave an interview to Mako News from Wolfson Hospital where he was being treated for chest and back injuries.

France 24 and the Alhurra Post reported that a woman was killed in the bombing.

Sources vary in the number and severity of injuries reported.

France 24 carried an announcement by Hamas that it had launched 130 rockets towards the city of Tel Aviv on Tuesday evening. Shihab News also posted a video with the caption, “the moment the Al-Qassam, M-M rockets landed in Tel Aviv, and there were casualties.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Orian
5 years old female injured
Twin brother of Orian, name unknown
5 years old male injured

The victims were named as:

Spartak Zevulun
Age unknown injured
Name unknown
30 years old female injured
Name unknown
50 years old male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–18
  • 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
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (42) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (14) [ collapse]

  • Image caption: Hebrew Channel 12: The location of one of the Qassam Brigades' rockets that hit a bus in Holon, Tel Aviv (image via @PalinfoAr)
  • Image shows damage caused by a rocket attack in Israel's Holon (image via @TRTArabi)
  • Image shows damage to a bus hit by a rocket in Israel's Holon. Up to eight civilians were injured in the attack (image via@TRTArabi)
  • Translated image caption reads: Pictures showing the extent of the losses in Holon, near Tel Aviv, after the fires caused by the rockets of the resistance (image via @TRTArabi)
  • Damage caused by rocket attack in Israeli Holon on May 11th, 2021. Up to eight civilians were injured as a result (image via @TRTArabi)
    Translated caption reads: Further to the sirens heard in Holon: MDA EMTs and Paramedics are treating and evacuating 3 injured to the hospital in moderate condition. Among them are a 50 year old man, a 30 year old woman and a 5 year old girl. An update will follow as needed (image via @Mdais)
  • Image shows damage to a bus. Mynet reported that a rocket struck next to the line 4 bus (image via @IsraelArabic)
  • Translated image caption: A missile hits a bus in Holon (image via Faten.Elwan)
  • Damage caused by rocket attack in Israeli Holon on May 11th, 2021. Up to eight civilians were injured as a result (image via @TRTArabi)
    Translated caption reads: Further to the sirens heard in Holon: MDA EMTs and Paramedics are treating and evacuating 3 injured to the hospital in moderate condition. Among them are a 50 year old man, a 30 year old woman and a 5 year old girl. An update will follow as needed (image via @Mdais)
  • Translated caption reads: Further to the sirens heard in Holon: MDA EMTs and Paramedics are treating and evacuating 3 injured to the hospital in moderate condition. Among them are a 50 year old man, a 30 year old woman and a 5 year old girl. An update will follow as needed (image via @Mdais)
  • Image shows 5-year-old Orian who was injured in the rocket attack on May 11th. 2021 (image via Mynet Holon)
  • The caption says that Orion, who was injured in the May 11th, 2021 rocket attack, is preparing to return home after being in the hospital as a result of a fragment penetrating a carotid artery leading to the brain (image via Forum Holon)

Geolocation notes (3) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention Holon (חולון), for which the generic coordinates are: 32.01034, 34.77918. A video posted by Shihab Post at the time of strike shows Sokolov Street (רח’ סוקולוב), and other reports mention a bus being struck on Kugal Street (רח קוגל). Based on the imagery of the damage and street view images of the area, a possible location of the strike is: 32.0227673, 34.7747835.

  • Reports mention a bus being struck on Kugal Street (קוגל) in Holon (חולון).

    Imagery:
    Google Maps

  • Distribution of tags in available Google Street View imagery.

    Imagery:
    Google Street View

  • Tagged visual material from sources.

    Imagery:
    Shihab Post

Palestinian Militants Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Palestinian Militants

18:47
Now, and in implementation of our promise, the Al-Qassam Brigades launched the largest missile strike on Tel Aviv and its suburbs, with 130 missiles, in response to the enemy's targeting of civilian towers.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–18
  • 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
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (42) [ collapse]

Incident Code

PALIS004

Incident date

May 11, 2021

Location

ريشون لتسيون, Rishon Letzion, Israel

Geolocation

31.988594, 34.783657 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One woman was killed and another woman died later from a heart attack and others were injured when a Hamas rocket fired from Gaza struck a private home in Rishon Letzion, near Tel Aviv on May 11th, 2021, according to local reports.

Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs named the primary victim as Leah Yom Tov, 63.

In a Facebook post on May 16th, Moshe Lev Tov (her son), said Mrs Yom Tov’s death had been the result of a direct hit on her home.

A tweet from @AAhronheim identified three others injured in addition to the woman killed while Al-ain News reported on “two serious and moderate injuries in Rishon LeZion”. The Magen David Adom medical service said its staff provided medical treatment to two additional people suffering from anxiety related ailments. it is unclear if these injuries overlap.

The Magen David Adom medical service posted a statement from two of their staff: “Upon our arrival at the scene we were taken to a private house. At the entrance we saw lots of damage. There was a 40 year old woman lying nearby. She was unresponsive and had severe injuries. We performed medical assessments and were forced to pronounce her as deceased”.

On August 12th, 2021, Human Rights Watch published an article examining the circumstances of Leah Yom Tov’ death. In it they included a statement by the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, stating that on the evening of May 11th they (the al-Qassam Brigades) had “directed the largest rocket barrage toward Tel Aviv and its surrounding areas, with 130 rockets, in response to the enemy’s targeting of civilian buildings.” Multiple local sources including Elaph News and Paldf News attributed this rocket to Hamas, but other sources stated that “a missile fell” without specifying the belligerent.

The article also featured a statement from her son, Kfir Yom Tov: “My mother retired two years ago and was flourishing. Her life was filled with everything she loved to do. She was very spiritual and thanked God for each day. She supported peace and saw the positive and good side in every human being. She knew how to connect with others and develop good relations with them. She took care of everyone. She was a very giving person. She was studying natural health and wanted to enhance other people’s lives by advising them on good nutrition and thinking positively about their lives.”

Kfir Yom Tov told Human Rights Watch about his experience of arriving at the scene following the incident, saying: “When I heard the sirens and the sound of the heavy barrage of rockets in the area, I called her to check on her, but she didn’t answer. I drove to her house. The street was closed, and it was full of soldiers, police, and paramedics. It took them a while to identify her and confirm that she had been killed. She was a person of giving, and the emptiness and space she left behind is hard to describe”.

Ynet reported that shortly after the incident a woman who had been interviewed by media crews at the scene suffered a heart attack and died. Walla News named the woman as 76-year-old Ilana Cohen. Her husband Yosef told the outlet that after the explosion IIana had felt unwell and was taken to Assaf Harofeh Hospital where she was pronounced dead at around 2 p.m.

The incident occurred at about 8 p.m.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Leah Yom-Tov
63 years old female killed
Ilana Cohen
76 years old female Heart attack killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • Causes of injury / death
    Accidents related to conflict, 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
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (35) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (14) [ collapse]

  • Damage to a home in Rishon Letzion following strikes on May 11, 2021. (Image posted by @Qudsn_Brk)
  • A car suffered damage in Rishon Letzion following strikes on May 11, 2021. (Image posted by @hassaneslayeh)
  • Damage from strikes that killed Leah Yom-Tov, pictures right, on May 11th, 2021. (Image posted by Paldf)
  • Damage to a home in Rishon Letzion following strikes on May 11, 2021. (Image posted by @maniefabian)
  • Image of Leah Yom-Tov, killed in strikes on Rishon Letzion on May 11th, 2021. (Image posted by @AviMayer)
  • Image of Leah Yom-Tov, killed in strikes on Rishon Letzion on May 11th, 2021. (Image posted by Haaretz)
  • Rocket hit area in Rishon Lezion. Photo: Moti Milrod, posted by Haaretz
  • Image of the family of Leah Yom-Tov, killed in strikes on Rishon Letzion on May 11th, 2021. (Image posted by her son Moshe)
  • The late Ilana Cohen and her husband Yosef (Photo: courtesy of the family, posted by Mynet Rison)
  • Damage to a home in Rishon Letzion following strikes on May 11, 2021. (Image posted by Walla News)
  • Image of Leah Yom-Tov, killed in strikes on Rishon Letzion on May 11th, 2021. (Image posted by N12 News)

Geolocation notes (3) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a residential building being struck in Rishon Letzion (ראשון לציון). Analyzing visual material from sources, we have narrowed down the location to these exact coordinates: 31.988594, 34.783657.

  • Reports of the incident mention a residential building being struck in Rishon Letzion (ראשון לציון).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • Tagged visual material from sources.

    Imagery:
    @Qudsn_Brk

  • Distribution of tags in available Google Street View imagery.

    Imagery:
    Google Maps

Palestinian Militants Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Palestinian Militants

11:14: Al-Qassam Brigades launched the largest missile strike to date on the occupied cities of Ashdod and Ashkelon, in response to the enemy's continued targeting of safe houses and resistance men, and the coming is greater, God willing.

11:25: The response continues.. Al-Qassam launches the largest missile strike so far
https://alqassam.ps/arabic/news/details/16732

Abu Obeida, "The Military Spokesman for the Qassam Brigades" 05/11/2021 12:08:51
In a missile strike, the largest of its kind, the Al-Qassam Brigades targeted Ashdod and Ashkelon this afternoon with 137 heavy-caliber missiles within 5 minutes, and we still have a lot in store.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • Causes of injury / death
    Accidents related to conflict, 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
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (35) [ collapse]

Incident Code

PALIS017

Incident date

May 12, 2021

Location

نتيف عغسرا, Netiv HaAsara, Israel

Geolocation

31.570833, 34.539444 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian was injured in declared mortar attacks from Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, in Gaza to Israel whilst coming to the aid of Israeli military personnel in Netiv HaAsara, southern Israel on May 12th, 2021, according to local reports.

Gil Timor, the Deputy Chairman of the Ashkelon Beach Regional Council, was injured in the shoulder by shrapnel whilst attempting to rescue dead and wounded soldiers from a jeep, said Matan Tzuri, a journalist with Ynet.

The Izz Al-Din Al-Qassam Brigade issued a military statement, which declared its responsibility for the attack on a “Zionist “Defender” jeep near the usurped Netiv Hasara in the northern Gaza Strip.” It reported that the result was “the enemy admitted destroying the jeep, killing two soldiers and wounding others.”

As well as declaring “two dead after Al-Qassam destroyed a Zionist enclave with a Kornet missile,” Al-Qassam also released a statement which declared that they used “21 mortar shells of different calibers” for this attack.  Other sources also reported that two soliders were killed in this attack.

The Times of Israel reported the incident began when Hamas targeted an Israeli military jeep using an anti-tank guided missile killing one soldier and injuring two others. Following the attack mortars targeted the area. Several Arabic-language media sources noted that Mr Timor’s injuries were the result of a mortar.

Itamar Revivo, a colleague of Mr Timor told 13 News: “In the morning we received a warning about a possible event around Zikim, we toured the place and continued to another village, when suddenly we heard a loud explosion and received a report of a vehicle being hit. We started evacuating the wounded, and the place began to be significantly attacked.”

Following the incident a video was posted online bearing the logo of the al-Qassam Brigade which purported to show moment of the strike against the jeep.

The Barzilai Medical Center received four patients following the incident, including the soldiers, according to local journalist Emanuel Fabian.

The incident occured in the morning.

The victims were named as:

Gil Timor
Adult male Deputy Chairman of the Ashkelon Beach Regional Council injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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.
  • Known attacker
    Palestinian Militants
  • Known target
    Israeli military
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2

Sources (31) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • The Israeli soldier killed in the earlier strike on Netiv HaAsara on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @AlmakdesyMedia)
  • The deputy head of the Ashkelon Beach Regional Council, "Gil Timor", was seriously injured during a mortar attack on Netiv Ha'asara (Image posted by SadaMisr via Facebook)
  • The deputy head of the Ashkelon Beach Regional Council, "Gil Timor", being treated for a shrapnel wound to the shoulder following strikes on Netiv Ha'asara on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Matan Zori via Twitter)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Netiv HaAsara (נתיב העשרה), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.570833, 34.539444. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Palestinian Militants Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Palestinian Militants

10:42
Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades
{Fight them; God will torment them at your hands and will disgrace them and give you victory over them and heal the hearts of believing people}

Military statement issued by
..::: Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades :::..

Al-Qassam Brigades destroyed a Zionist enclave in the northern Gaza Strip with a Kornet missileصار

With God’s help and guidance, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades declare its responsibility for the following jihadist mission:

Today: Wednesday Date: 30 Ramadan 1442 AH corresponding to 05/12/2021 AD Time: 10:29

Operation: Kornet guided missile attack

The target: a Zionist "Defender" jeep near the usurped Netiv Hasara in the northern Gaza Strip.

Result: the enemy admitted to destroying the jeep, killing two soldiers and wounding others.

This comes within the framework of the "Sword of Jerusalem" battle and in response to the crimes of the occupation against our people in Gaza, Jerusalem, the West Bank and the occupied interior.

It is a jihad, victory or martyrdom.
Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades - Palestine
Wednesday 30 Ramadan 1442 AH
Corresponding to 05/12/2021AD

10:58
Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades

Two dead after Al-Qassam destroyed a Zionist enclave with a Kornet missile
https://alqassam.ps/arabic/news/details/16742


11:05
Al-Qassam Brigades bombed the vicinity of the enclave that they targeted with the Kornet in the northern Gaza Strip with 21 mortar shells of different calibers.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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.
  • Known attacker
    Palestinian Militants
  • Known target
    Israeli military
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2

Sources (31) [ collapse]

Incident Code

PALIS016

Incident date

May 12, 2021

Location

عسقلان, Ashkelon, Israel, Israel

Geolocation

31.666667, 34.566667 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A building sustained damage and dozens of injuries were reported, including up to 7 children, due to alleged Hamas rockets fired from Gaza at a hospital in the city of Ashkelon on May 12th, 2021, according to media reports.

Haartz reported that 19 people were treated for injuries at Barzilai Hospital due to rocket strikes within the city. It was unclear how many of these injuries were linked to the strike in question. In total 35 people were treated at the hospital (including seven children) according to Haaretz, 16 injuries were related to incidents that took place outside the city.

Multiple Arabic language sources, including @OMN_4 and @alosbou, put the toll of injured at 26.

On May 12th Al Mayadeen reported that the Al Quds Brigade, the armed wing of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, had released a statement saying it had targeted cities and towns including Ashkelon with dozens of heavy rocket salvos. Al Mayadeen reported that prior to the targeting of these areas the group had announced that it would surprise the settlements with a red night at 9 pm.

TRT Arabic was the first outlet to publish images from the scene of the strike at 9:57 PM local time.

The incident was first reported on May 12, 2021 at 9:57 pm by .

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    19–26
  • 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.
  • Known attacker
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • Damage to buildings from shelling of Ashkelon on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @TRTArabi)
  • Rescue workers search through debris from shelling of Ashkelon on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @TRTArabi)
  • Rescue workers search through buildings from shelling of Ashkelon on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @TRTArabi)
  • Rescue workers search through debris from shelling of Ashkelon on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @TRTArabi)
  • Rescue workers search buildings following shelling of Ashkelon on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @qudsn)
  • Rescue workers search homes following shelling of Ashkelon on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @qudsn)
  • Rescue workers treat the wounded following shelling of Ashkelon on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @qudsn)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a building being struck in the city of Ashkelon (אשקלון), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.666667, 34.566667. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Palestinian Militants Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Palestinian Militants
Official source

19:05
Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades
21:00 Al-Qassam Brigades again launched a missile strike on Ashdod and Ashkelon with dozens of missiles.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    19–26
  • 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.
  • Known attacker
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

PALIS015

Incident date

May 12, 2021

Location

سديروت, Sderot, Israel

Geolocation

31.531449, 34.585562 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One child was killed and three to seven family members, including a woman and two children, were reported injured when a rocket declared by Hamas’s militant wing allegedly hit a residential street in Sderot, southern Israel on May 12th, 2021, according to local reports.

Ido Avigal, 5, was killed whilst he and his family were taking shelter in a safe room, said Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The New York Times reported that a missile hit a building close to his aunt’s home causing a piece of shrapnel to penetrate the room’s thick glass window striking Ido in the stomach.

Paramedics, Aviv Shenor and Yossi Halabi, told Ynet: “When we arrived at the scene, we saw an attack on the fifth floor of a six-story building. No injuries were identified in the building, but in a nearby building on the fourth floor we noticed shrapnel penetrating the window of the house and when we went up to the apartment we saw an unconscious child with shrapnel wounds. We gave him life-saving medical treatment and performed CPR on him, and after urgent treatment, we quickly evacuated him to the hospital while CPR continued.”

The Magen David Adom (MDA) medical service said its staff provided medical care and evacuated seven injured people to Barzilai Hospital. The Jerusalem Post reported that among the injured were Shani Avigal, Ido mother, his six year old sister and five members of the extended family including his six-year-old cousin. Shani Avigal was injured by shrapnel to her upper body and a child was said to be in a stable condition having been treated for shrapnel wounds, according to the MDA.

@PalinfoAr originally reported that only three civilians were injured in the strikes.

On May 26th Shani Avigal told The New York Times Ido had suffered with anxiety since the start of the conflict and did not want to sleep, shower or eat alone, she described her son as caring and loving.

On the May 12th El Watan published an announcement by the group Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades: “In continuation of the response to the assassination of leaders and the targeting of civilian facilities, the Qassam Brigades bombard the Zionist Sderot with 20 missiles.”

Reports of the attack began circulating at approximately 19:45, although the Al-Qassam Brigades released a statement at 18:36 which stated, “in continuation of the response to the assassination of leaders and targeting of civilian facilities, Al-Qassam Brigades bombed the usurped Zionist Sderot with 20 rockets.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

Ido Avigal
5 years old male killed
Shani Avigal
Adult female injured
Sister of Ido
6 years old female injured
Cousin of Ido
6 years old injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–7
  • 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.
  • Known attacker
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (42) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (13) [ collapse]

  • Damage to a building and fire caused by strikes on Sderot on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @PalinfoAr)
  • Shrapnel from a missile strike on Sderot penetrated the window of the shelter that Ido was hiding in and killed him on may 12th, 2021. (Image posted by Times of Israel)
  • Damage to a building and fire caused by strikes on Sderot on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Times of Israel)
  • Ido Avigal, 5, was killed whilst he and his family were taking shelter in a safe room following strikes on Sderot on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Times of Israel)
  • Damage to a building and fire caused by strikes on Sderot on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @qudsn)
  • Injuries caused by a rocket fired from Gaza at a house in Sderot Several people, including a child, were injured after a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit a building in Sderot on Wednesday. Ambulances and officers were on site to provide care for the wounded
  • Rescue workers treat the wounded following strikes on Sderot on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Alkoufiya News)
  • Students of a school in southern Israel gathered at the home of 6-year-old Ido Avigal, who was killed by a terrorist rocket fired by Hamas last week, and sang the Israeli national anthem “Hatikva” (Hope). (Image posted by Standwithusarabic via Facebook)
  • Statement from @UnitedHatzalah, posted by @samuelsokol
  • Shrapnel from a missile strike on Sderot penetrated the window of the shelter that Ido was hiding in and killed him on may 12th, 2021. (Image posted by Ynet)

Geolocation notes (3) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a residential building being struck in Sderot (שדרות ). Analyzing audio-visual material from sources we have narrowed down this location to these exact coordinates: 31.531449, 34.585562.

  • Reports of the incident mention a residential building being struck in Sderot (שדרות )

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • Tagged street view image from 2012 shows the area undeveloped.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • Tagged audio-material from sources.

Palestinian Militants Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Palestinian Militants

18:32
Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades
One dead, a number of wounded, and heavy material losses were caused by the rockets fired by the Al-Qassam Brigades on Sderot and Ashkelon.


18:36
In continuation of the response to the assassination of leaders and targeting of civilian facilities, Al-Qassam Brigades bombed the usurped Zionist Sderot with 20 rockets.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–7
  • 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.
  • Known attacker
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (42) [ collapse]

Incident Code

PALIS014

Incident date

May 12, 2021

Location

دهمش‎, Dahmash, Israel

Geolocation

31.943672, 34.849476 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A father and teenage daughter were killed when an alleged Hamas rocket struck the village of Dahmash, south of Tel Aviv, in the early hours of May 12th, 2021, according to local and international media reports.

Khalil Awad, 52, and Nadin Awad, 16, were killed on Wednesday morning when a rocket fired from Gaza landed close to their home, said Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Arafat Ismail, Mr Khalil’s brother, told Ynet that the father and daughter were killed while they, and members of their family, were eating breakfast before dawn as part of the Ramadan fast. Aswat reports that Mrs. Awad and her eldest son and other daughter survived, and were taken to hospital for treatment as a result of the shock.

The status of the predominantly Arab village, which has a population of 1,000 residents, is subject to a relocation scheme. As such the population does not have access to publicly available shelters similar to those found elsewhere in Israel, according to Aswat.

Suzan Awad, the wife and mother of the victims, described the incident to Human Rights Watch: “Our village is totally neglected, and we don’t have basic services and infrastructure such as [bomb] shelters. The two nights before the attack, we didn’t know what to do and where to go. We ran in and out of the house and sometimes we ran into the street to look for shelter but there was no shelter in the area. We didn’t know where to hide…. That night, we couldn’t sleep from the sound of the rockets. The barrage of rockets in the neighbourhood was so heavy and strong and, as always, we didn’t know where to hide ourselves. Many times in this situation, we don’t feel safe staying at home, so we escape outside but without knowing where to go exactly. … That night, Khalil and Nadine were terrified, the sound of the rockets falling were so close, so they decided to leave the house and seek protection outside at the entrance of the house. We live in a ground-floor home with only three steps at the entrance, so they decided to stand at the stairs and stick to the wall. They did that because we always hear that, in this kind of situation, it’s recommended to hide in the stairway, but we do not have a stairway. The only stairs we have are three steps at the entrance. But the rocket fell on the ground outside, next to the entrance where they stood, a few meters from them. It killed them immediately. It also caused huge damage to our house”.

Claims that residents of the village had requested protection prior to the strike were refuted by the Sdot Dan local council, according to Haaretz.

Mrs Awad told Human Rights Watch her husband was “a loving, giving, and modest man” who worked hard to provide for his family. She described her daughter as an outstanding student who dreamt of becoming a doctor. Following the incident the father and daughter were taken to Assaf Harofeh Hospital where they were pronounced dead, reported Almadar.

The Times of Israel described Hamas as being behind the attack.

Aswat reported that shrapnel from the strike caused severe damage to neighboring houses and injured ten heads of sheep. Images from the scene also showed extensive damage to several parked cars.

The incident occurred at approximately 03:00.

The incident occured at approximately 3:00 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Khalil Awad
52 years old male killed
Nadin Awad
16 years old female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child1 man)
  • 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
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (40) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (18) [ collapse]

  • Cars destroyed by rocket strikes on the predominantly Arab village of Dahamash, south of Tel Aviv, in the early hours of May 12th, 2021 (Image posted by @AlmakdesyMedia)
  • Image of Nadin Awad, 16, who was killed when a rocket struck the predominantly Arab village of Dahamash, south of Tel Aviv, in the early hours of May 12th, 2021 (Image posted by @Eyad80412605)
  • A car that was struck and one of the victims of the shelling of the predominantly Arab village of Dahamash, south of Tel Aviv, in the early hours of May 12th, 2021 (Image posted by @galebsami)
  • Teddy bear belonging to Nadin Awad, 16, who was killed when a rocket struck the predominantly Arab village of Dahamash, south of Tel Aviv, in the early hours of May 12th, 2021 (Image posted by @ofirgendelman)
  • Rescue crews arrive to take the victims of the shelling of Lod on May 12th to a nearby hospital. (Image posted by Rashid Armosh)
  • Cars destroyed by rocket strikes on the predominantly Arab village of Dahamash, south of Tel Aviv, in the early hours of May 12th, 2021 (Image posted by Palestine.Yaffa via Facebook)
  • Cars destroyed by rocket strikes on the predominantly Arab village of Dahamash, south of Tel Aviv, in the early hours of May 12th, 2021 (Image posted by Palestine.Yaffa via Facebook)
  • Rescue crews arrive to take the victims of the shelling of Lod on May 12th to a nearby hospital. (Image posted by Palestine.Yaffa via Facebook)
  • Rescue crews arrive to take the victims of the shelling of Lod on May 12th to a nearby hospital. (Image posted by Palestine.Yaffa via Facebook)
  • Vehicle fire caused by rocket strikes on the predominantly Arab village of Dahamash, south of Tel Aviv, in the early hours of May 12th, 2021 (Image posted by Palestine.Yaffa via Facebook)
  • Cars destroyed by rocket strikes on the predominantly Arab village of Dahamash, south of Tel Aviv, in the early hours of May 12th, 2021 (Image posted by MohamadNageAmara via Facebook)
  • Residents try to put out a vehicle fire caused by rocket strikes on the predominantly Arab village of Dahamash, south of Tel Aviv, in the early hours of May 12th, 2021 (Image posted by Khatabnasar via Facebook)
  • The tombs of Khalil Awad and NAdine Awad, who were killed when a rocket struck the predominantly Arab village of Dahamash, south of Tel Aviv, in the early hours of May 12th, 2021 (Image posted by Arab48
  • Image of Khalil Awad, 52, who was killed when a rocket struck the predominantly Arab village of Dahamash, south of Tel Aviv, in the early hours of May 12th, 2021 (Image posted by Israel MFA)
  • Cars destroyed by rocket strikes on the predominantly Arab village of Dahamash, south of Tel Aviv, in the early hours of May 12th, 2021 (Image posted by Haaretz)
  • A car destroyed by rocket strikes on the predominantly Arab village of Dahamash, south of Tel Aviv, in the early hours of May 12th, 2021 (Image posted by Ynet)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention house being struck in the village of Dahmash (دهمش‎) near the city of Lod (اللد), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.943672, 34.849476. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Palestinian Militants Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child1 man)
  • 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
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (40) [ collapse]

Incident Code

PALIS013

Incident date

May 12, 2021

Location

تل أبيب, Tel Aviv, Israel

Geolocation

32.066667, 34.783333 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A man in his 80’s collapsed during a rocket attack allegedly fired from Gaza in Tel Aviv on May 12th 2021, according to local reports. Reports are conflicted as to whether or not the man died as a result of the attack.

The Times of Israel reported that the man collapsed due to an apparent heart attack while making his way to a bomb shelter.

Anna Ahronheim, a journalist with Jerusalem Post, said the man died as a result of the incident, while Emanuel Fabian, an editor with the Times of Israel, said that medics who worked on the man informed him he was, “alive and breathing after resuscitation.”

No further information was provided as to the identity of the man.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Accidents related to conflict
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Missiles being launched from Gaza to Israel (Image posted by @TRTArabi)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Tel Aviv (תל אביב), for which the generic coordinates are:32.066667, 34.783333. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Palestinian Militants Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Accidents related to conflict
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (8) [ collapse]