Israel and Gaza 2023

Satellite imagery, screenshot from Google Earth, October 2023

Belligerent
Israeli Military
Country
Syria
the Gaza Strip
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident Code

ISPT0182

Incident date

October 13, 2023

Location

بني سهيلا, Bani Suheila, Khan Younis, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.342130, 34.325343 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least 15 people, including at least one child and four women, one of whom was pregnant, were killed and 15 others were injured in an alleged Israeli airstrike on the al-Ela residence in Bani Suhila in Khan Younis on October 13th, 2023.

The Rakab family posted the names of 14 civilians killed during the destruction of the “Abu Al-Ela family home, Al-Raqab in Bani Suhaila”, in addition to 15 others injured.

Many of those killed were from the al-Ela, al-Raqab family. Based on names, it seems likely that Khaled Ismail Abu al-Ala, al-Raqab (56) was killed along with his wife “Umm Hassan” (likely Hala Mahmoud Abu al-Ela, al-Raqab, 46) and their children Ahmed Khaled Abu al-Ela, al-Raqab (26), Hassan Khaled Ismail Abu al-Ala al-Raqab (30), Karim Khaled Abu al-Ela, al-Raqab, Taqi Khaled Abu al-Ela, al-Raqab (23) and Rahaf Khaled Ismail Abu al-Ela, al-Raqab (9). The Rakab family Facebook referred to Hassan and Ahmed as “the family’s young son” and to Khaled as a pharmacist.  A post from Ismeil Farid quoted the last thing that Ahmed Khaled Abu al-Ela wrote before he was killed, which translates to “We won’t forgive or forget those who did not help us”. The Bani Suhayla martyrs school posted a memorial for Rahaf who was a student there.

Another family member of the al-Ela family was killed. Mohammed Abu Al-Ela posted a memorial for his father 53 year old Majed Hussein Abu al-Ela, al-Raqab of whom he said “the pain of your separation is that I did not have the honor of saying goodbye to you and taking a farewell look.”

Others not from the al-Ela, al-Raqab family were also killed in the same bombing: Alaa Mahmoud Abu Saada, Zuhair Muhammad Fadl Abu Shab (21), Ihab Muhammad Hosni Abu Youssef (30), Muhammad Iyad Baraka (23), Asmaa Abdul Karim Abu Salah (21), Arif Abdul Salam Arif al-Qara (23), and Wasfiya Muhammad Abdel Aziz Abu Tir (70) were all killed.

Um elzoz posted a memorial for “the apple of my eye and my beloved” Zuhair Muhammad Fadl Abu Shab who they described as “Everyone knows you and bears witness that you are the righteous and honest son. May God grant us all patience in your separation.”

The Abu Salah family posted a memorial to Asmaa Abdul Karim Abu Salah who “rose to the top of the house of the Abu Al-Ala family to join the hundreds of moons who preceded her.”

The Alqara family posted a memorial to the “good young man” Arif Abdul Salam Arif al-Qara. It should be noted that Arif Abdul Salam Arif al-Qara is possibly related to civilians listed in incident ISPT0187C, who share the same surname.

A tweet from diabmashni reported that the bodies of 11 of those killed were taken to Nasser Hospital after the attack. A video posted by Mustafa shows the shrouded body of “the mother and her fetus” indicating that at least one of the women killed was pregnant.

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

Where sources identified the belligerent, all sources attributed the strikes to Israeli forces. PNRB News stated that no warning had been given before the strike.

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 (8)

Ahmed Khaled Abu al-Ela, al-Raqab احمد خالد ابو العلا الرقب 
26 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 402519557
Karim Khaled Abu al-Ela, al-Raqab كريم خالد  ابو العلا الرقب
Age unknown male killed
Majed Hussein Abu al-Ela, al-Raqab ماجد حسين  ابو العلا الرقب
53 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 903460111
Taqi Khaled Abu al-Ela, al-Raqab تقي خالد  ابو العلا الرقب
23 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 405857798
Hala Mahmoud Abu al-Ela, al-Raqab هالة محمود  ابو العلا الرقب
46 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 901624064
Khaled Ismail Abu al-Ala, al-Raqab خالد اسماعيل ابو العلا  الرقب
56 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 954335675
Hassan Khaled Ismail Abu al-Ala al-Raqab حسان خالد اسماعيل ابو العلا الرقب
30 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 804437523
Rahaf Khaled Ismail Abu al-Ela, al-Raqab رهف خالد اسماعيل ابو العلا، الرقب
9 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 434751327

The victims were named as:

Alaa Mahmoud Abu Saada علاء محمود ابوسعدة
Age unknown killed
Arif Abdul Salam Arif al-Qara عارف عبدالسلام عارف القرا
23 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 405932641
Zuhair Muhammad Fadl Abu Shab زهير محمد فضل ابو شاب
21 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 407955921
Ihab Muhammad Hosni Abu Youssef ايهاب محمود حسني ابو يوسف 
30 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 410069165
Muhammad Iyad Baraka محمد اياد بركة
23 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 406959361
Asmaa Abdul Karim Abu Salah اسماء عبدالكريم ابو صالح
21 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 407966746
Wasfiya Muhammad Abdel Aziz Abu Tir وصفية محمد عبدالعزيز ابو طير
70 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 932056336

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15
  • (1–2 children4 women8–9 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    15
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (28) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (24) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Alqara family facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Rakab family facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ismeil Farid facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mohammed Abu ALula facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Rakab family facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Absan Al-kabira facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Rakab family facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Abdulkarim Abu Ayed facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mohammed Abu Al-ula facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Rakab family facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Bani Suhayla martyrs school facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mohammed Al-khateeb facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mohammed Al-khateeb facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mohammed Al-khateeb facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mohammed Al-khateeb facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mohammed Al-khateeb facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

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

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

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

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

    Source: Mohammed Abu Eid Facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Um elzoz facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Bani Suheila (بني سهيلا), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.342130, 34.325343. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

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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
    15
  • (1–2 children4 women8–9 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    15
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (28) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0187GB

Incident date

October 13, 2023

Location

مخيم البريج, Bureij camp, Deir Al Balah, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.437934, 34.403857 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least 15 people, including six children, were killed and at least three other children were injured by an alleged Israeli airstrike which hit the Abu Jabara residence in the Bureij camp at dawn on October 13th, 2023.

The Abu Jabara Facebook page initially reported that nine members of the Abu Jabara family were killed while another post reported “Martyrs and injuries”. A post from Sadiq Abu Jabara put the number killed at 12, and provided the names: 41 year old Ali Jihad Ali Abu Jabara, 33 year old Khaled Jihad Ali Abu Jabara, his three sons 5 year old Safaa Khaled Abu Jabara,1 year old Sarah Khaled Abu Jabara, and Osama Khaled Abu Jabara. Reem Raafat Abu Jabara, Jihad Ahmed Abu Jabara, Zaid Ahmed Abu Jabara, 20 year old Jihad Basil Jihad Abu Jabara, 18 year old Alaa Basil Jihad Abu Jabara, 14 year old Lina Basil Jihad Abu Jabara, 31 year old Waseem Abu Jabbara were also listed amongst those killed. A post from Khamis Hussein added the name Yazan Ahmed Abu Jubara and identified Ahmed Abu Jabara’s wife as among those killed. Firas Abu Jubara also added that his aunt, Ohood Abu Jabara (Umm Ahmed), wife of the late Kamal Abu Jabara, was among those killed, adding that she would be buried in the Sahab Cemetery after noon prayers October 14th at the Sahab Cemetery Mosque.

Walid Moamer reported that Ahmed Abu Jabara’s father and two brothers were killed in the 2008 war, and he has been living in Poland since 2009. Ahmed Abu Jabara posted on Facebook that “All my family are martyrs, my brothers, their spouses, their children, and my wife and my children are martyrs…” Based on the names, it seems likely that Ahmed’s children who were killed are 5 year old Jihad Ahmed Abu Jabara and 3 year old Zaid Ahmed Abu Jabara, while Ahmed’s wife’s name was not found among the sources.

A Facebook post from Abu Ihab Jabara referred to Waseem Abu Jabara as “The knight, my cousin and the apple of my eye”.

Images posted by Al Khalil show three children being treated for their injuries in a hospital.

A post from Ibrahim Al-Hajj identified the location of the strike as around the Martyrs’ Roundabout, adding that there was an appeal for first aid to arrive to help the victims.

Safa PS reported that no warning was given prior to the strike. Where sources identified a belligerent, all sources attributed the strike to Israeli forces.

Where possible, names have been matched 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 incident occured around dawn.

The victims were named as:

Family members (15)

Ali Jihad Abu Jabara علي جهاد ابو جبارة
41 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 926676651
Khaled Jihad Abu Jabara خالد جهاد ابو جبارة
33 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 802580373
Safaa Khaled Abu Jabara صفاء خالد ابو جبارة
5 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 440522415
Sarah Khaled Abu Jabara سارة خالد ابو جبارة
1 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 442811915
Osama Khaled Abu Jabara اسامة خالد ابو جبارة
male killed
Lina Basil Abu Jabara لينا باسل ابو جبارة
14 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 427405964
Alaa Basal Jihad Abu Jabarah آلاء باسل جهاد ابو جباره
18 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 421477332
Jihad Basil Abu Jabara جهاد باسل ابو جبارة
20 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 409651551
Wife of Ahmed Abu Jabara (Unnamed) زوجة احمد ابو جبارة
Adult female killed
Yazan Ahmed Abu Jabara يزن ابو جبارة
Age unknown male killed
Zayd Ahmed Jihad Abu Jabara زيد أحمد جهاد ابو جباره
3 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 443029293
Jihad Ahmed Abu Jabara جهاد احمد ابو جبارة
5 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 438989352
Waseem Ziad Abu Jabara وسام زياد ابو جبارة
31 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 803803386
Ohood Abu Jabara (Umm Ahmed) عهود ابوجبارة ( ام احمد )
female killed
Reem Raafat Abu Jabara ريم رأفت ابو جبارة
killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    IDP or refugee camp
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15
  • (6 children3 women4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • 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 (19) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (36) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Walid Moamer facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: ABu Ihab Jbara facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: AL Abu Jbara facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: AL Abu Jbara facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: AL Abu Jbara facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: AL Abu Jbara facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: AL Abu Jbara facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: AL Abu Jbara facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Basil Al Sheikh facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Khalil MAnsour facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Sadiq Abu Jbara facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Sadiq Abu Jbara facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Sadiq Abu Jbara facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Sadiq Abu Jbara facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Sadiq Abu Jbara facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Sadiq Abu Jbara facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Sadiq Abu Jbara facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Sadiq Abu Jbara facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Abu Ihab Abu Jbara facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Abu Ihab Abu Jbara facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Abu Ihab Abu Jbara facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Abu Ihab Abu Jbara facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Abu Ihab Abu Jbara facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Abu Ihab Abu Jbara facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Sari Ahmad facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Al Khalil facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ismael Wishah facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ismael Wishah facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ismael Wishah facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ismael Wishah facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ismael Wishah facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ismael Wishah facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ismael Wishah facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ismael Wishah facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ismael Wishah facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ismael Wishah facebook

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Bureij camp (مخيم البريج), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.437934, 34.403857. 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
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15
  • (6 children3 women4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • 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 (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0181

Incident date

October 13, 2023

Location

منزل عائلة الزرد, al-Zard residence, Gaza Strip, the Gaza Strip

Airwars assessment

A preacher affiliated with Hamas, Dr. Wael Mohieddin Sayed al-Zard, died due to injuries sustained in an alleged Israeli airstrike on his home, which occurred on October 13th, 2023. He was found under the rubble and initially reported to have only moderate injuries. However, he was hospitalised and died days later, on October 16th, 2023. Shehab Agency reported that there were numerous other injuries and potential other deaths in the incident, but this was not corroborated by other sources nor have other victims been named.

Al-Zard was born on Dec 24th, 1972, and reportedly had eight children. His son, Baraa, had been killed the previous month allegedly by Israeli forces during border protests.

Al-Zard obtained a masters in Hadith from Islamic University in 2001. His dissertation is reported to have been titled: “Manifestations of Pre-Islamic Time as Depicted by the Sunnah Texts.” He would later be granted a doctorate from the joint program between Gaza’s al-Aqsa University and Egypt’s Ain Shams University.

Al-Zard taught at The University College of Applied Sciences, and had previously worked for the al-Quds Open University and the Islamic University of Gaza. He was the imam of the Grand al-Omari Mosque in Gaza City, as well as the al-Mahatta Mosque in the al-Daraj neighborhood.

Al Jazeera reported that he was the director of the Fadhila Women’s Forum Center, which worked with women in education as well as providing social and cultural support. The Center also provides a Qur’anic teaching center for girls. Outside of this, al-Zard also worked as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Tayseer Marriage Association.

He was also engaged in Islamic activities outside of his professional life: he had represented Palestine in 1997’s “Holy Quran Memorization Competition” held in Mecca, after reportedly memorising the holy book in 1992.

Al-Zard was affiliated with Hamas, though the strength of this affiliation is not entirely clear. Though Reuters named him as a “well-known” Hamas cleric, The New York Times claimed he was a “less senior” figure within Hamas, and reported he was “a preacher affiliated with the group.” The Extremist Monitoring Analysis Network stated that he was also aligned (whether by ideology or tangible affiliation) with the Muslim Brotherhood.

He was known to have made highly antisemitic statements, often in his sermons. Evidence of hate speech can be seen in the Extremist Monitoring Analysis Network report.

Where sources identified the belligerent, all sources attributed the strike to Israeli forces.

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.

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:

Dr. Wael Mohieddin Sayed al-Zard وائل محيي الدين سيد الزرد
Age unknown male killed Matched to MoH ID 931675474

Summary

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

Media
from sources (18) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ashraf Kharilla facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ashraf Kharilla facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ashraf Kharilla facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

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

    Source: Ayman Amer facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

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

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

    Source: Moihammed Halaika facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

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

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

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

    Source: Extremist Monitoring Analysis Network Report
  • 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.

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
  • 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 (23) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0187E

Incident date

October 13, 2023

Location

عائلة الاسطل, Astal family, opposite Production Bank, Central Khan Yunis, the Gaza Strip

Airwars assessment

On Friday, 13 October 2023, five children from the Al-Astal family were killed and at least two others were injured in an alleged Israeli airstrike on the Astal family home opposite the Production Bank in Central Khan Yunis.

Sawaed Gaza reported that there was an “aerial bombardment near the homes of the Astal and Shaat families, opposite the Production Bank in Khan Yunis”, with Safa News reporting “Martyrs, missing persons, and injuries in the bombing”, and Al Jazeera adding “the martyrdom of a Palestinian baby and 4 women.”

Relatives of the family posted to social media that the home was bombed without warning, killing “a number of citizens and a number of injuries.” Nidal Mustafa al-Astal reported that four were killed, along with a “number of wounded.” Nabd al-Qarara reported on the death of two children, Joan Yahya Youssef al-Astal (5), and her younger sister Mian Yahya al-Astal (2 months), adding that their mother and brother were injured. The Astal family posted the names of the other victims – a 16 year old girl named Abeer Mahmoud Ahmed Ziyadi al-Astal, and 1 year old Janan Hamed Nasser al-Astal, adding that the funeral prayer would take place at 4:30 at the Austria Stadium. Sources on social media mourned the deaths, with Sliman al-Astal mentioning the death of a sibling of Janan named Joud Hamed Nasser Zare’ Al-Astal (4) and saying “Birds of paradise/My brother’s daughters, may God have mercy on you and go to heaven, God willing/Janan and Joud”, sharing a picture of the two children, and others sharing heartbreaking images of the infant Mian al-Astal who was killed.

Where sources identified the belligerent, all sources attributed the strikes to Israeli forces. A post from Shawqi Maghnam added that the house was demolished “without warning”.

All names have been matched 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:

Family members (7)

Abeer Mahmoud Ahmed 'Ziyadi Al-Astal عبير محمود احمد 'زيادي الاسطل
16 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 422435560
Janan Hamid Nasser Al-Asatal جنان حامد ناصر الاسطل
1 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 444334304
Joud Hamed Nasser Zare' Al-Astal جود حامد ناصر زارع الأسطل
4 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 441091428
Joan Yahya Youssef Al-Astal جوان يحيى يوسف الأسطل
5 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 440735769
Mian Yahya Yusuf Al-Astal ميان يحيى يوسف الأسطل
0.2 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 444351654
Joan and Mian's mother
Adult female injured
Joan and Mian's brother
male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • (5 children)
  • 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 (19) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (14) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Astal family facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Nidal Mustafa Al-Astal facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Nidal Mustafa Al-Astal facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Manal Dana facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Manal Dana facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Nabd Alqarara facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Sabri Ghazal twitter
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Salah Z Al-Astal
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Salah Z Al-Astal
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Sliman ALstal
  • 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.

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
    5
  • (5 children)
  • 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 (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0187F

Incident date

October 13, 2023

Location

بجوار محطة بنزين عصفور, Vicinity of Asfour gas station, Khan Younis, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.334289, 34.333110 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On Friday, October 13th 2023, at least three civilian members of the Baraka family were killed and others were injured in an alleged Israeli airstrike on the home of the Abu al-Asla (Baraka) family near the Asfour station in Bani Suhaila, Khan Yunis, the Gaza Strip.

Initial reporting from Safa news mentioned “Martyrs and injuries” in the bombing, without specifying any number. Sources on social media later revealed that at least three had been killed, and the names identified were Shawqi Hussein Baraka (Abu Muhammad), his brother Adly Hussein Baraka (Abu Mahmoud), and their nephew Muhammad Baraka (Abu Hassan) the son of their brother Hassan.

Radwan Baraka shared a tearful tribute on social media, and friends and relatives shared tributes and images of the victims, “My uncle Adly Baraka, you were martyred and your daughter Hadeel followed/Your pure, fragrant blood still clings to my hands/My uncle Shawqi Baraka, you were in our house a week before the war and you asked my father, “When do you want to perform Umrah, Abu Hamid?”/Muhammad Hassan Baraka, may God have mercy on you, cousin/May God have mercy on you, martyrs of my family”. It is unclear whether Hadeel, daughter of Adly, was killed in the bombing on the 13th. Mohammed Baraka added that Shawqi Baraka was supposed to travel to Saudi Arabia soon, before he was killed.

Airwars has matched the names of some of the civilians killed with the Palestinian Ministry of Health list of fatalities in Gaza released on October 26th, 2023, which explicitly mentions that names on the list are “victims of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip”. Therefore this incident has been graded as fair, as another source also identified Israel as being responsible.

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 (3)

Shawqi Hussein Baraka “Abu Muhammad” شوقي حسين بركة ابو محمد
Adult male killed
Adly Hussein Baraka “Abu Mahmoud” حسين بركة ابو محمود
59 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 920078300
Muhammad Baraka “Abu Hassan” محمد بركة ابو حسين
44 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 903577757

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 4
  • (3 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 (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (12) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Hind Albaraka facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Radwan baraka facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

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

    Source: Baraka family facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Baraka family facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Baraka family facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Jawdat Abu Layan facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Shadi baraka facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Shadi baraka facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Shadi baraka facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

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

    Source: Mohammed baraka facebook

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the vicinity of Asfour gas station (محطة بنزين عصفور) to the east of Bani Suheila (بني سهيلة), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.334289, 34.333110. 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
    3 – 4
  • (3 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 (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0187GA

Incident date

October 13, 2023

Location

مخيم البريج, Bureij camp, Deir Al Balah, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.437934, 34.403857 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four people, including a woman and a child, were killed and at least eight others were injured after an alleged Israeli airstrike on the al-Durra residence in the Burejj camp at dawn on October 13th, 2023.

11-year-old Aryam al-Durra was killed with her father, Iyad al-Durra. Iyad’s brother Nael al-Durra was also killed, along with his wife, Salwa Taha (al-Durra). Iyad’s wife and three sons, as yet unnamed, were uncovered from under the rubble and taken to the hospital with injuries, according to Eg News 24.

Iyad and Nael’s brother Jamal al-Dourra told Anadolu Agency, “Israel bombed my brothers’ homes, killed my two brothers, my brother’s wife, and his only daughter.” Iyad and Nael’s brother Jamal stated to Elwatan News that the family had received no warning, and that he, his wife and children had survived solely due to a “divine miracle,” while also telling journalist Basma Wahba, presenter of the “90 Minutes” program, broadcast on the “Al-Mehwar” channel: “My house is located next to the house of my martyr brother, and on the day of his martyrdom I saw a tsunami in my house, and I left the house with my wife and children and we were injured.” He was only able to retrieve his brothers bodies from under rubble three days after the strike.

Social media posts circulated of Jamal al-Dourra, brother to Nael and Iyad, praying for his family and paying tribute to his family members at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Mosque in the city of Deir al-Balah. In a video clip, Jamal is asking his brothers, “Reserve a place for me next to you,” as he prayed to God to help him with their passing.

An image of Jamal al-Dourra and his late son Muhammad al-Dourra was reportedly an icon of an uprising in 2000, in which his young son was killed by Israeli fire. The image depicted Jamal and his son taking cover in a cement barrel while being fired upon. Sources have used both photos to report on the incident.

A friend of Nael named Hussein Samir Kamel posted on Facebook a message to Nael that “You have been communicating with me for years about taking measures to buy an apartment for you in Egypt, but God wanted a better one for you in heaven with the martyrs.” A post on Twitter/X described Nael as “He used to help anyone in need, even beyond his capacity, and his wife Salwa was also beloved by everyone.”

According to the Bureij Facebook age, the strike occurred in the square after the Martyrs’ Roundabout in Bureij Camp.

Where sources identified the belligerent, all sources attributed the strikes to Israeli forces. Multiple local sources and witnesses refer to “explosive barrels” as being used in the attack.

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.

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 around dawn.

The victims were named as:

Family members (12)

Aryam Al-Durra أريام الدرة
11 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 432273001
Nael Al-Durra نائل الدرة
48 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 900986316
Iyad Al-Durra اياد الدرة
46 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 901466698
Salwa Taha (Al-Durra) سلوى طه
47 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 901381632
Jamal Al-Durra جمال الدرة
Adult male injured
Iyad's wife اياد الزوجة
Adult female injured
Iyad's son اياد ابن
male injured
Iyad's son اياد ابن
male injured
Iyad's son اياد ابن
male injured
Jamal's wife جمال الزوجة
Adult female injured
Jamal's child جمال طفل
injured
Jamal's child جمال طفل
injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    IDP or refugee camp
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (1 child1 woman2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    8
  • 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 (18) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Oday Bani Safi facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

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

    Source: Hussein Samir Kamel facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

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

    Source: Bassam Shammaa facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Bureij camp (مخيم البريج), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.437934, 34.403857. 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
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (1 child1 woman2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    8
  • 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 (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0187GC

Incident date

October 13, 2023

Location

مخيم البريج, Bureij camp, Deir Al Balah, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.437934, 34.403857 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On Friday, October 13th 2023, at least 14 civilians were killed, all members of the Abu-Lashin family, including at least two women and at least five children and an infant, as a result of an alleged Israeli airstrike on the Abu Lashin family’s home in the Bureij camp. According to Safa news, the attack happened without prior warning.

According to a Facebook post by a family relative Talat abu Lasheen who lost his siblings with their children in the attack, the overall number of the deceased family members was 16. Fares Abu Lasheen also shared a tribute on Facebook to his family members:  “I swear to God, the 16 martyr of Al-Khobar broke our hearts”. The testimonies by family relatives and friends helped Airwars identify 14 victims killed in the strike.

A 48-year old Mohammed Subhi Abu-Lashin (Abu Muhannad)  was killed alongside his five children, namely, three sons: a 20-year old son Muhanad Mohammad Subhi Abu-Lashin, a 19-year old son Subhi Mohammed Subhi Abu-Lashin, and a 16-year old Mohammed Mohammed Subhi Abu-Lashin, and two daughters: a 13-year old Tala Mohammed Subi Abu-Lashin and a 4-year old Leyan Mohammed Subi Abu-Lashin.

In a Facebook testimony by Saeed Salem, the late Mohammed Abu-Lashin is seen in the picture as a smiling middle-aged man in a Reebok T-shirt. Radwan Al-Lulu paid a tribute to Mohammed Abu-Lashin in his post, having said that  “You have hurt our hearts, Muhammad Abu Lashin Abu Muhannad. May God have mercy on you and accept you”. A Facebook account of Bureij also mourned the death of Mohammed and his family: “The rise of one of the moons of the precious tower/ Muhammad Abu Lashin with his family”, having attached the image of Muhammad Abu Lashin in a yellow T-shirt and orange jacket. His children Mohammad, Tala and Leyan were remembered in a post by Abu Udai Abu Lasheen.

Another family member, a 55-year old Maher Subhi Mohammed Abu-Lashin who was apparently a brother of Mohammed Abu-Lashin was killed alongside his three children – a 22-year old son Alaa Al-Din Maher Sabehe Abu-Lashin, a 28-year old son Asaad (Usaid) Maher Subhi Abu Lashin and a 19-year old daughter Mariam Maher Sabhi Abu-Lashin.

A 28-year old Asaad Abu-Lashin lost his life alongside the lives of his 28-year-old wife Tahani Mohammed Al-Bardawil (Abu-Lashin) and their children – a 5-year old son Maher Asaad Abu-Lashin, a daughter Judi Asaad Maher Abu-Lashin whose age is unknown, and an infant daughter Ghazal Asaad Maher Abu-Lashin. A Facebook user Naser Abu Abdullah shared a video featuring the late Asaad, a smiling bearded young man, with his son and an infant daughter. Ghalak min ghala roohi also shared the images of Asaad and his children on Facebook, saying “May God have mercy on you, the joy of my heart, you, your children, and your wife.”

A friend of the late Tahani, Reema A Matar, expressed in a touching tribute her grief and despair: “My love, Toto, I was still talking to you yesterday🥺 You were still telling me yesterday that you couldn’t believe that your aunt and her daughters were gone! You went to them, my love, and took them to heaven 💔”.

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

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 (14)

Maher Subhi Abu-Lashin ماهر صبحي ابو لاشين
55 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 913703047
Alaa Abu Lashin علاء ابو لاشين
22 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 407164391
Mariam Abu-Lashin مريم ابو لاشين
19 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 420534349
Asaad Abu Lashin اسعد ابو لاشين
28 years old male Matched to MoH ID 400801338
Tahani Mohammed Al-Bardawil (Abu-Lashin) ( تهاني محمد البردويل ) " ابو لاشين"
28 years old female Matched to MoH ID 400529681
Maher Asaad Abu-Lashin ماهر اسعد ابو لاشين
5 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 440517910
Judi Asaad Maher Abu-Lashin جودي اسعد ماهر ابو لاشين
0.6 years old female killed
Ghazal Asaad Maher Abu-Lashin غزل اسعد ماهر ابو لاشين
0.6 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 444185136
Mohammed Subhi Abu-Lashin محمد صبحي ابو لاشين
48 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 900985128
Muhanad Subhi Abu-Lashin مهند صبحي ابو لاشين
20 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 408520062
Subhi Mohammed Subhi Abu-Lashin صبحي محمد صبحي ابو لاشين
19 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 420473472
Mohammed Mohammed Subhi Abu-Lashin محمد محمد صبحي ابو لاشين
16 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 424676468
Tala Mohammed Subi Abu-Lashin تالا محمد صبحي ابو لاشين
13 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 431297845
Leyan Mohammed Subi Abu-Lashin ليان محمد صبحي ابو لاشين
4 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 441346277

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    IDP or refugee camp
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    14 – 16
  • (5–6 children2 women6 men)
  • 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 (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (20) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ghalak min ghala roohi facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ghalak min ghala roohi facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ghalak min ghala roohi facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ghalak min ghala roohi facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Fares Abu Lasheen facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Fares Abu Lasheen facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Fares Abu Lasheen facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Fares Abu Lasheen facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Fares Abu Lasheen facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Fares Abu Lasheen facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Saeed Salem facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Abood K Shehada facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Sameer Abu Lasheen facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Sameer Abu Lasheen facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Sameer Abu Lasheen facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Sameer Abu Lasheen facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Sameer Abu Lasheen facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Radwan Al-Lulu facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

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

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Bureij camp (مخيم البريج), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.437934, 34.403857. 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
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    14 – 16
  • (5–6 children2 women6 men)
  • 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 (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0175

Incident date

October 13, 2023

Location

شارع صلاح الدين والرشيد، بين دوار الدولة ودوار الكويت, Salah Al Din and Al Rashid streets, between the State Roundabout and the Kuwait Roundabout, Gaza, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.483334, 34.445044 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (other) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 15:30 and 17:20 on Friday October 13th 2023, at least 12 civilians, including three women and three children, were killed in alleged Israeli airstrikes and/or artillery strikes. The strikes hit a convoy of citizens fleeing northern Gaza after instructions from the Israeli military to evacuate. Some reports said the number of civilians killed might be more than 70, with at least 150 and up to more than 200 civilians reported injured, including many displaced women, children and elderly people. Airwars was able to identify at least 12 victims killed by name.

According to an investigation carried out by the Financial Times and Airwars, the deadly explosions took place between the State Roundabout and the Kuwait Roundabout near the Bassem Aliwa Steel Company building. The incident occurred the day after Israel told more than one million civilians living in northern Gaza to flee south for their own safety.

A forensic review of the visual material by the FT/Airwars found that the explosions did not hit the truck carrying a large group of Palestinian civilians directly but a group of cars nearby, with the shrapnel likely responsible for the deaths of the majority of the fleeing civilians – who were seated on an uncovered truck.

Israel denied striking the street and suggested Hamas may have planted explosive devices along the evacuation route. Military analysts consulted by the Financial Times and Airwars said the shrapnel appeared consistent with an Israeli strike.

Palestine Alarabiya and Saddam Souad shared gruesome videos on Facebook showing the direct aftermath of the attack – burned cars and dead bodies lying on the ground amidst blood. Financial Times and Airwars Investigations wrote that videos of the aftermath verified by the media showed 12 bodies of men, women and children in Salah-ad-Din street, which Israel later designated a “safe route”. The media outlet also wrote that there were probably two explosions, one of which damaged an ambulance as it attempted to leave the scene with some of the injured.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza confirmed that “large numbers” of dead and wounded, including women and children, had arrived at Al-Shifa Hospital.

Initially Almamlakah TV reported about 40 civilians killed and more than 150 civilians injured, but later the government media office spoke about a higher death toll of 70 victims killed and more than 200 injured in its press statement. Shehab Agency reported about the “death of more than 70 Palestinians and the injury of hundreds.”

Many victims of this attack remained unidentified. Palestinian Media Center shared the images of its crews performing funeral prayers for the unidentified deceased Palestinian civilians over the bodies wrapped in white cloth stained with blood.

Based on Facebook testimonies by family members, Airwars has identified 12 victims killed in the strike.

The deadly attack took the life of the wife of journalist Sameh Murad and injured a number of his family members. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate extended its condolences to the colleague, who worked with Al Arabiya channel and remained at work to cover the events of the subsequent Israeli invasion of Al-Shifa Hospital.

The Amara family lost six family members, according to a Facebook post by Mahmoud Amara. A family relative Ahmad Amara shared that he lost his sisters, 24-year old Hanan Ayman Abdel Karim ‘Amara and 25-year old Safaa Hasan Muhammad ‘Amara, Hanan’s children and her fiance, and her fiance’s brother – 26-year old Adham Ayman Muhammad ‘Amara. Abu Mohammed Alfaran mourned the death of his cousins, Adham Amara and a 25-year old Muhammad Ayman Muhammad ‘Amara. Two young men were featured in the pictures attached to his Facebook post.

Youssef Atef Dabbour Asad mourned the death of his father, his brother Mohammad Dabbour Asad and his nephew Atef Dabbour Asad.

Among the victims of the attack was also “the polite young man”, Ismail Muhammad Al-Taweel, remembered in a tribute by Taweel and Shaar Ffamily on Facebook.

There were also victims killed from the Lanoush family. A heartfelt Facebook testimony by Lanoush Lanoush said”: “My uncle, my cousin, his wife, and my cousin were martyred, and their two sons were seriously injured, and they are in intensive care on their way to Salah al-Din.” However, Airwars did not find names and additional information about these victims.

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

Where sources identified the belligerent, most sources attributed the strikes to Israeli forces. In particular, BBC news and the Financial Times reported that based on video footage, the explosions were most likely caused by strikes launched by the Israeli military.

Financial Times carried out its own investigation in conjunction with Airwars, quoting a munition expert Desmond Travers who had investigated attacks across the globe including in Gaza. According to him, the attack was most probably carried out with a “precision-guided shrapnel-delivered missile”. He added: “There could have been several of them to create the effect I am seeing on the videos. If that is the case, then the attack would have been carried out by the Israelis.” However, Travers did not exclude the possibility of an improvised explosive device (IED) on the site being used. A spokesperson for the Israeli military, Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, however, denied the allegations and stated that “Hamas is behind this, is using the death of Palestinian civilians for its vile political purposes”.

According to the investigation carried out by Al-Arabi Open Source Investigations Unit, the attack happened around three o’clock in the afternoon. The BBC investigation ascertained that the incident happened between 15:30 and 17:20 local time.

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 between 3:30 pm and 5:20 pm local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (7)

Hanan Ayman Abdel Karim 'Amara حنان عمارة
25 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 404759433
Safaa Hasan Muhammad 'Amara صفاء عمارة
24 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 404116071
Child of Hanan Ayman Abdel Karim 'Amara
Child killed
Child of Hanan Ayman Abdel Karim 'Amara
Child killed
Fiance of Hanan Ayman Abdel Karim 'Amara
Adult male killed
Adham Ayman Muhammad 'Amara ادهم عمارة
26 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 403058464
Muhammad Ayman Muhammad 'Amara محمد عمارة
25 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 404119117

Family members (3)

Mohammad Dabbour Asad محمد دبور اسعد
male killed
Atef Dabbour Asad عاطف دبور اسعد
16 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 424586741
Father of Youssef Atef Dabbour Asad
Adult male killed

The victims were named as:

wife of journalist Sameh Murad زوجة سامح مراد
Adult female killed
Ismail Muhammad Al-Taweel اسماعيل محمد الطويل
44 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 901458349

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Humanitarian evacuation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 71
  • (3 children3 women6 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    150–201
  • 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 (28) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (26) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: AJA Mubasher facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

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

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

    Source: Taweel and Shaar family facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Youssef Atef Dabbour Asad facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Youssef Atef Dabbour Asad facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Abu Mohammed Alfaran facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Abu Mohammed Alfaran facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Palestinian Media Center facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Palestinian Media Center facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Palestinian Media Center facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Palestinian Media Center facebook
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

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

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

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

    Source: Financial Times News
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Financial Times News
  • 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.

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  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention vehicles struck on the Salah Al Din (صلاح الدين) highway, to the south of Gaza city (غزة). The Financial Times, in collaboration with Airwars, narrowed the location down to an area at the following coordinates: 31.483334, 34.445044.

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
    Humanitarian evacuation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 71
  • (3 children3 women6 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    150–201
  • 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 (28) [ collapse]