Israel and Gaza 2023

Israel and Gaza 2023

Satellite imagery, screenshot from Google Earth, October 2023

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Incident Code

ISPT0294

Incident date

October 17, 2023

Location

طريق البريد, Al Barid Road, Khan Younis, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.342787, 34.310547 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On October 17, 2023, at least 10 people, members of the Barbakh family, were killed and at least five others were wounded during an alleged Israeli airstrike at the Barbakh family home on Al Barid road, central Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip.

The attack, which struck the property located opposite the post office in central Khan Younis, occurred at around 2.50pm and resulted in an unknown number of injuries.

The Barbakh family bore the heaviest toll in this tragic incident, encompassing multiple generations from the eldest, 67-year-old Sheikh Mahmoud Saeed Barbakh (915605455), to the youngest, one-year-old Sawsan Mustafa Mahmoud Barbakh (445000276). Among those who lost their lives were Sawsan Ahmed Muammar (wife of Mahmoud), aged 54 (924300650); their son, Muhammad Mahmoud Saeed Barbakh, aged 13 (429488653); their grandson, Uday Makram Aouni Barbakh, aged 17 (424184737); Kholoud Mahmoud Saeed Barbakh, 21 (daughter of Mahmoud and Sawsan) (408537231); Sabreen Mahmoud Saeed Barbakh, 32 (daughter of Mahmoud and Sawsan) (803466366); and Samar Imad Al-Masry, 26, (daughter-in-law of Mahmoud and Sawsan) (403095318); Sally Ramez Muhammad Abu Muammar, 4 (daughter of Sabreen); and Saba Ramez Ahmed Barbakh (daughter of Sabreen).

Jihad Barbakh, a family member of the deceased, provided the names of the 10 members of the Barbakh family who were killed, in addition to mentioning that “more than 10 martyrs were passers-by on the road”, indicating that there were at least 10 additional deaths.

Local reports emphasised the absence of any forewarning prior to the attack. Immediately following the incident, eyewitness videos emerged which depict a scene of panic followed by a swift and substantial mobilisation of rescue operations. Local sources, including the Palestinian Health Ministry, reported that a number of casualties who were pulled from the rubble managed to reach Nasser Hospital, others could not be saved.

In the days and weeks preceding the incident, surviving members of the Barbakh family have paid tribute to their lost loved ones on Facebook. Most poignant of all was a November 3, video post from Mostafa Mahmud, husband of Samar Imad Al-Masry, showing their daughter one-year-old Sawsan Mustafa Mahmoud joyfully playing in her home. Mostafa explained that the video was captured less than five minutes before the airstrike hit their residence.

Multiple sources, Alaraby News and Safa News, reported that “injuries” resulted from the bombing but did not provide a toll. Images posted by Zahia Farahat show children and a man being treated from their injuries, with at least four different children receiving medical care.

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 strike to the Israeli military.

Due to the scale and urgency of Airwars’ assessment process, all images have been automatically uploaded to each assessment with the graphic filter applied to protect users. We have also included all images identified from the sources, which may also include any imagery of combatants.

The incident occured at approximately 2:50 pm local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (10)

Mahmoud Saeed Barbakh محمود سعيد بربخ
67 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 915605455
Sawsan Mustafa Mahmoud Barbakh سوسن مصطفى محمود بربخ
1 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 445000276
Muhammad Mahmoud Saeed Barbakh محمد محمود سعيد بربخ
13 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 429488653
Sawsan Ahmed Muammar سوسن أحمد معمر
54 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 924300650
Khuloud Mahmoud Saeed Barbakh خلود محمود سعيد بربخ
21 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 408537231
Sabreen Mahmoud Saeed Barbakh صابرين محمود سعيد بربخ
32 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 803466366
Saba Ramez Ahmed Barbakh صبا رامز احمد بربخ
Child female killed
Sally Ramez Ahmed Barbakh سالي رامز احمد بربخ
4 years old female killed
Samar Imad Al-Masry سمر عماد المصري
26 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 403095318
Uday Makram Aouni Barbakh عدي مكرم عوني بربخ
17 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 424184737

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 20
  • (4–5 children4 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • 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 (40) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (26) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Journalist Abdel Rahman Al Obadale

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    Source: Journalist Abdel Rahman Al Obadale

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    Source: Journalist Abdel Rahman Al Obadale

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    Source: Journalist Abdel Rahman Al Obadale

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    Source: Journalist Abdel Rahman Al Obadale

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    Source: Zahia Farahat

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    Source: Isam Abu Bisam

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mohammad Abu Faysal Barbakh

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    Source: Moath Moh Iprahim

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    Source: Sofyan Alaqqad

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    Source: Shareef Ouni

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    Source: Mostafa Faysal Majdi Barbakh

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    Source: Mostafa Faysal Majdi Barbakh

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    Source: Rashad Abu Tareq

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    Source: Umm Mohammad Barbakh

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mostafa Mahmud

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    Source: Mostafa Mahmud

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    Source: Mostafa Mahmud

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    Source: Mostafa Mahmud

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    Source: Mostafa Mahmud

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Geolocation notes (4) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention an alleged strike on a residential building on al Barid Road (طريق البريد) to the east of Khan Younis (خان يونس). Analysing audio-visual material from sources, we have narrowed the location down to the following exact coordinates: 31.342787, 34.310547.

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  • Imagery:
    @BlinxNow

  • Imagery:
    @BlinxNow

  • Imagery:
    @BlinxNow

  • Imagery:
    Mostafa Mahmud

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
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 20
  • (4–5 children4 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • 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 (40) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0404

Incident date

October 19, 2023

Location

عبسان الكبيرة, Abasan Al Kabira, Khan Younis, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.323417, 34.347364 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At dawn on Thursday, October 19th 2023, an alleged Israeli airstrike on the Abu Daqqa family house located in the town of Abasan al-Kabira in the Khan Yunis governorate in the Gaza Strip killed an eight-year old boy named Hamza Bashar Jamil (Abu Daqqa).

Shehab Agency initially reported about the serious injury of Hamza Jamil, but later relatives mourned his death in social media tributes. Hamza’s father’s cousin, A. Mohammad Abu Daqqa Abu Mahmoud, posted on Facebook that the family house was completely destroyed, having posted an image of the rubble left from the building.

Hamza Bashar Abu Daqqa was mentioned in tributes by his family members as “the Memorizer of the Book of God” which means that he learned the Koran by heart. His aunt Rasha Alnajjar wrote a touching testimony to his nephew: “My dear, Hamza Bashar, I was talking about you as a leader, and you turned out to be a leader in every way. Brave, intelligent, and this is what I sensed since your childhood. It is enough that you have won the world and memorized the Book of God. And in the hereafter, you will rise as a martyr.”

Another relative, Houria Dehiba wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post: “They killed you and your dreams and the dreams of your mother.”

Hamza Bashar appears in the images shared on Facebook by his relatives as a smiling young boy in diverse locations, including one picture in a traditional attire.

Airwars has matched Hamza Bashar Jamil (Abu Daqqa)’s name to 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 incident occured around dawn.

The victims were named as:

Hamza Bashar Jamil Abu Daqqa حمزة بشار جميل ابو دقة
8 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 426468567

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • 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 (9) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (7) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: A. Mohammad Abu Daqqa Abu Mahmoud

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Aboud Daqqa

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Houria Dehiba

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Rasha Alnajjar

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Atef Abdelhmed

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Absan Al Kabira

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    Source: Absan Al Kabira

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Abasan Al Kabira (عبسان الكبيرة), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.323417, 34.347364. 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
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • 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 (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0322

Incident date

October 18, 2023

Location

عدد من المنازل في منطقة شارع الهوجا بمعسكر جباليا ، شمال القطاع, Al-Hoja Street area in Jabalia Camp, north of the Gaza Strip, Gaza strip, Gaza Strip, the Gaza Strip

Airwars assessment

On Wednesday, October 18th 2023, between five and 13 civilians were killed, including at least two children, and between 12 and 20 were wounded, including one infant and at least one woman, in an alleged Israeli airstrike on several residential buildings on Al-Houja Street in Jabalia Camp, north of the Gaza Strip. Hoda Muhammad al-Bas (5) and Uday Muhammad al-Bas (3) were the two children reportedly amongst those killed during this strike.

Reporting on this event in the early hours of October 19th, Shehab Agency stated, “5 [dead] and 12 injured have arrived at the Indonesian Hospital so far” after the alleged bombing of “a number of homes.” These details were subsequently repeated by outlets including al-Araby TV, the Egyptian Arabic-language newspaper Akhbar el-Yom and Asharq Al-Awsat. Images were shared of multiple explosions under the cover of darkness, and of wounded civilians clutching their children. The Palestine News SHFA shared an image of a massive explosion in an urban area which purportedly shows the scene at the time of the bombing.

In a statement dated at 3am, October 19th, the North Gaza Emergency Committee provided an update on those killed and wounded in the alleged bombing. The statement, shared by the Information Office of North Gaza Governorate Police on Facebook, reads “The number of martyrs increased to 13 martyrs and 20 injuries in the Al-Hoja Street massacre in Jabalia camp, and the number is likely to rise.” Other sources on local and social media posted a “number of martyrs and wounded” as a result of the alleged bombing of the home of the “al-Ghandour family.” A video shared by Ghasn showed a wailing infant being treated for injuries from the alleged bombing.

Describing the deaths of the two children, Facebook user Hamza Abu Eltarabesh shared a post on October 19th, stating, “Abu Nabil Muhammad Al-Bas, a colleague and childhood friend….He is mild mannered and calm like a summer cloud. He lost his two children in an Israeli raid that destroyed a residential square…(he) has been working as a nurse since the beginning of the aggression, and due to the pressure of work, he only saw Hoda and Uday once, when they turned into small corpses.” Huda shared images of the two children – Hoda, aged 5, a young smiling girl, and Uday, aged 3, a little boy smiling at the camera. Rowaid, a friend of Muhammed, shared condolences and an old image of Muhammad, a tall smiling man holding the hands of Hoda and Uday. Rowaid also wished Muhammad’s wife “a speedy recovery”. Muhammad himself posted a message after the death of the children, saying “Oh God, reward me for my misfortune and give me something better than it, O Lord” and “My dears, my dear/May God have mercy on you”

Airwars was not able to match the names of the children killed with the Palestinian Ministry of Health list of names, 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 (3)

Hoda Muhammad al-Bas هدى محمد البس
5 years old female killed
Uday Muhammad al-Bas عدي محمد البس
3 years old male killed
Mother of Hoda and Uday
Adult female injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    IDP or refugee camp, Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 13
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–20
  • 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 (17) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Sputnikarabic News

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Sputnikarabic News

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @AlarabyTV

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    Source: @shfanews_net

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Miscellaneous, attitudes and jokes

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mimi

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Hamza

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Rowaid

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Huda

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    Source: Huda

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Muhammed

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    Source: Muhammed

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    Source: Muhammed

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Muhammed

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    Source: Muhammed

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    Source: Muhammed

  • 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 infrastructure
    IDP or refugee camp, Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 13
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–20
  • 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

ISPT0415a

Incident date

October 20, 2023

Location

عائلة السلك, Alsalak family, Gaza Strip, the Gaza Strip

Airwars assessment

On October 20, 2023, nine civilians from the al-Salak family, all women and children, were killed in the Gaza Strip allegedly by Israeli actions.

Fariza Yusra al-Zayegh al-Salak (wife of Mazen al-Salak) and her four daughters, Dr Aya Mazen al-Salak (20), Dr Alaa Mazen al-Salak (18), Sama Mazen al-Salak, and Jana Mazen al-Salak (6) were named as having been killed in the incident along with Yasmin Abu Ajwa al-Salak (wife of Nofal al-Salak, 32), her two daughters, Tala Nofal al-Salak (10) and Hala Nofal al-Salak (8), and her son, Muhammad Nofal al-Salak (5).

Family and friends shared the news online with many asking that “God have mercy on them and to make their resting place the highest paradise in heaven.” @Abu Yamen, Fariza’s sister shared a verse stating that God Almighty said: “And those who, when a calamity befalls them, say, ‘Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we will return.’ To God is what He gives, and to God is what He takes, and everything with Him has an appointed term until the eternal heaven, God willing.”

While most of the sources don’t mentioned a belligerent or strike type, Airwars has matched the names of most 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 the strike status of this incident has been graded as single source.

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 (9)

Fariza Yusra Al-Zayegh Al-Salak فريزة يسرى الزايغ السلك
female killed
Dr. Aya Mazen Al-Salak آية مازن السلك السلك
20 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 408476729
Dr Alaa Mazen Al-Salak آلأء مازن السلك
18 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 421382532
Sama Mazen Al-Salak سما مازن السلك
Age unknown female killed
Jana Mazen Al-Salak جنى مازن السلك
6 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 438271397
Yasmine Abu Ajwa Al-Salak ياسمين أبو عجوة السلك
32 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 803206010
Tala Nofal Al-Salak تالة نوفل السلك
10 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 434144226
Hala Nofal Al-Salak هالة نوفل السلك
8 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 435932280
Muhammad Nofal Al-Salak محمد نوفل السلك
5 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 440449833

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9
  • (4–5 children4–5 women)
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Islam

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    9
  • (4–5 children4–5 women)
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0187i

Incident date

October 13, 2023

Location

منزلا لعائلة السعافين في محيط مخبز الدهشان بحي الزيتون بغزة, Al-Saafin family home, near Al-Dahshan bakery, Al-Zeytoun neighbourhood, Gaza City, Gaza City, the Gaza Strip

Airwars assessment

On Friday, October 13, 2023, an alleged Israeli strike hit the al-Saafin family home and reportedly killed at least one person, 31-year-old engineer Ahmed Arif Amer al-Saafin, in the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood of Gaza City. The home was in a residential area and near the Al-Dahshan bakery, east of Gaza City.

Many of Ahmed’s family members mourned him in Facebook posts, including his uncle Tareq Al Saafin and his cousin Mohammed Bashir. Both sources posted an image of Ahmed smiling, taken before the incident.

Ahmed Arif Amer al-Saafin has been matched with the Palestinian Ministry of Health list of nearly 7000 victims’ names and ID numbers released on October 26, 2023.

This incident likely took place around midnight local time on October 12-13, 2023 as this is when the earliest report of the incident, a Facebook post by Musab Abdelkarim, was published.

All sources that identified a belligerent attributed the strike to the Israeli military.

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 midnight.

The victims were named as:

Ahmad Arif Amer al-Saafin أحمد عارف عامر السعافين
31 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 410086508

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 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
    Israeli Military

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Saeeb Al Safin facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mustafa Al-safeen facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mohammed Bashir facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Tareq.safeen

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
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 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
    Israeli Military

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT1023

Incident date

November 10, 2023

Location

منطقة النادي بمخيم جباليا, Al-Nadi area in Jabalia camp, Beit Hanoun, the Gaza Strip

Airwars assessment

At least 10 people were reportedly killed on Friday, November 10, 2023, when a home near the al-Nadi and al-Nazla areas of the Jabalia camp and the Al-Halabi roundabout area in Jabalia were allegedly hit by an Israeli Military airstrike.

Shehab News Agency reported that more than 10 people were killed by an Israeli bombing that struck the club area in Jabalia camp and the Al-Halabi roundabout area in Jabalia. Shehab also reported that the victims were taken to the Indonesian Hospital.

The majority of sources reported identical information to that provided by Shehab, with the exception of a Facebook post from Hani Alshaer which identified “ten citizens” killed. No other information was found about the identity of the victims.

Where sources identified a beligerent, all sources attributed the strike to the Israeli Military. PTV, @Bk_Hanas and @2bu5aled explicitly reported that Israeli Military aircraft caused the incident.

Due to the scale and urgency of Airwars’ assessment process, all images have been automatically uploaded to each assessment with the graphic filter applied to protect users. We have also included all images identified from the sources, which may also include any imagery of combatants.

The incident occured in the morning.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 11
  • 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 (20) [ collapse]

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 11
  • 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 (20) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISSY029

Incident date

February 19, 2023

Location

كفرسوسة, Kafar Sousa, Hama, Syria

Airwars assessment

At least two civilians were killed and 15 others were injured in alleged Israeli airstrikes or Syrian regime defensive missiles on the neighborhood of Kafar Sousa in Damascus on February 19, 2023. Up to 13 militants were also killed and others were wounded.

Syrian Arab News Agency, a Syrian regime run news source, reported that as a result of Israeli air aggression against Damascus and its vicinity, five people were killed, including a soldier, and 15 civilians were injured, some in critical condition.

A tweet from @SARASALLOUM963 identified recruiter Axem Esper (M) [non-civilian], doctor Asif Mahmoud (M), and Colonel Amjad Ali (M) [non-civilian] as victims killed by Israeli strikes on Kafar Sousa. Damascus voice also identified two of the victims on Facebook: “Axem Ibrahim Esber,” the personal escort of the commander of the Damascus Center for the Baath Brigades, member of the People’s Assembly, and head of the Al-Wathba Club, Dr. Youssef Hassan Al-Salama.

@SAMSyria0 tweeted that Dr. Asif Mahmoud was a doctor of internal medicine and cardiac diseases.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) put the number of casualties at 15 killed and others wounded, without specifying how many civilians were among the toll. The “Voice of the Capital” website quoted by Al Araby stated that the bodies of at least 10 people were recovered from the damaged building. Orient News added that the strikes resulted in the death of six Iranians, including two high-ranking officers, and the injury of others.

According to @SARASALLOUM963, the building in Kafar Sousa that was subject to Israeli airstrikes was evacuated. SOHR referred to the location of the strikes as “an Iranian area and school” which resulted in the destruction of a building while @maarouf_lilian tweeted that the strikes hit “an operations headquarters and a meeting of Iranian leaders”. However, @obretix who geolocated the incident pointed out where the Iranian School is located but added that the school wasn’t the target.

Syria TV specified that the raids hit a headquarters of the “Iranian Revolutionary Guard” militia in the security square area in Kafar Sousa,  located near the headquarters of “Unit 840” of the “Revolutionary Guard”. Al Araby News also quoted the “Voice of the Capital” website which stated that the building struck in Kafar Sousa belongs to businessman Fadel Balawi, owner of the Al-Fadhel Money Transfer Company linked to the Lebanese “Hezbollah.” The car garage and rooms under the building’s floor sustained the most damage.

Shaam News reported that according to some Hebrew language media, the bombing of Kafar Sousa may have been caused by “Syrian surface-to-air missiles, not Israeli missiles” while other sources refer to senior figures who were intentionally targeted in the Israeli strikes in Kafar Sousa.

The incident occured at 00:22:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Asif Mahmoud
Age unknown male killed
Youssef Hassan Al-Salama
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    15
  • 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, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected targets
    Assad regime, Hezbollah, Iranian military
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2–13
  • Belligerents reported injured
    2

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (29) [ collapse]

  • Damage caused by alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus and surrounding areas on February 19, 2023. (Image posted by SANA)
  • Damage caused by alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus and surrounding areas on February 19, 2023. (Image posted by SANA)
  • Damage caused by alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus and surrounding areas on February 19, 2023. (Image posted by SANA)
  • Damage caused by alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus and surrounding areas on February 19, 2023. (Image posted by SANA)
  • Damage caused by alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus and surrounding areas on February 19, 2023. (Image posted by SANA)
  • Damascus recently
  • One of the victims of alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus and surrounding areas on February 19, 2023. (Image posted by @SARASALLOUM963)
  • Dr. Asif Mahmoud, a victim of alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus and surrounding areas on February 19, 2023. (Image posted by @SARASALLOUM963)
  • Brigadier General Sharaf Eng. Amjad Ahmed Ali, a victim of alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus and surrounding areas on February 19, 2023. (Image posted by @SARASALLOUM963)
  • Brigadier General Sharaf Eng. Amjad Ahmed Ali, a victim of alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus and surrounding areas on February 19, 2023. (Image posted by @SAMSyria0)
  • Brigadier General Sharaf Eng. Amjad Ahmed Ali, a victim of alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus and surrounding areas on February 19, 2023. (Image posted by @SAMSyria0)
  • Damage caused by alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus and surrounding areas on February 19, 2023. (Image posted by @SARASALLOUM963)
  • Damage caused by alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus and surrounding areas on February 19, 2023. (Image posted by @SARASALLOUM963)
  • Damage caused by alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus and surrounding areas on February 19, 2023. (Image posted by @SARASALLOUM963)
  • Damage caused by alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus and surrounding areas on February 19, 2023. (Image posted by @SARASALLOUM963)
  • Part of the damage to the historic Damascus Citadel after the Israeli attack yesterday.
  • Damage caused by alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus and surrounding areas on February 19, 2023. (Image posted by Damascus voice via Facebook)
  • Damage caused by alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus and surrounding areas on February 19, 2023. (Image posted by Damascus voice via Facebook)
  • Damage caused by alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus and surrounding areas on February 19, 2023. (Image posted by Damascus voice via Facebook)
  • Damage caused by alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus and surrounding areas on February 19, 2023. (Image posted by Damascus voice via Facebook)
  • Damage caused by alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus and surrounding areas on February 19, 2023. (Image posted by Damascus voice via Facebook)
  • Damage caused by alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus and surrounding areas on February 19, 2023. (Image posted by Damascus voice via Facebook)
  • Scenes of the extent of the destruction caused by the Israeli bombing of Kafar Souseh neighborhood in #Damascus, Syria
  • Damage caused by alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus and surrounding areas on February 19, 2023. (Image posted by @maarouf_lilian)
  • Damage caused by alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus and surrounding areas on February 19, 2023. (Image posted by @maarouf_lilian)
  • Damage caused by alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus and surrounding areas on February 19, 2023. (Image posted by @maarouf_lilian)
  • Damage caused by alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus and surrounding areas on February 19, 2023. (Image posted by @maarouf_lilian)
  • A citizen documents from inside his house the moment an Israeli missile exploded. Lee targeted a residential building in the Kafarsouseh neighborhood of the capital, Damascus, a short while ago.
  • Damage caused by alleged Israeli airstrikes in Damascus and surrounding areas on February 19, 2023. (Image posted by @obretix)

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Syrian Regime Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Syrian Regime
  • Syrian Regime position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    15
  • 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, Syrian Regime
  • Suspected targets
    Assad regime, Hezbollah, Iranian military
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2–13
  • Belligerents reported injured
    2

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0027

Incident date

October 8, 2023

Location

الشيخ عجلين, Sheikh Ijlin, Gaza, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.504221, 34.417139 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least 10 members of the Shamlakh family, including three children, were reportedly killed when an alleged Israeli aircraft bombed their home on Street 10, south of Gaza City, on October 8th, 2023. The strike is believed to have occurred at approximately 8:30pm.

Grandfather Abdulnaser Asaad Shamlakh was 56 years old, and was reportedly killed together with his wife, 47-year old Soha Jawan al-Saftawi. Their son, Ahmed Abdel Nasser Shamlakh, 25, and his wife, Warda Khamis Jibril, 21 were also killed. They had two children: two-year-old Abdulnaser Shamlakh, and an infant, Omar Shamlakh, who has been reported as either three or five months old. Abdulnaser and Soha had four other sons killed in the bombing. Marwan Shamlakh was 22. His brother Assad Shamlakh was 20. Mohammed Shamlakh was 18. The youngest, Yazan Shamlakh, was 10. All were killed in the strike.

Several sources described Assad Shamlakh as a freelance journalist killed in his home with nine other members of his family, in Sheikh Ijlin.

Several other sources alleged that twelve people had been killed, though it is unclear who these other two civilians were. No other names have been recorded.

The Palestine chapter of Defense for Children International claimed Israeli forces had fired “several missiles” at the building. Aawsat_News (@aawsat_News), quoting the governmental media office, maintained that the aircraft bombed the home “without warning.”

The home, located in the Sheikh Ajlin neighborhood, consisted of two floors containing four apartments. It housed three families.

The funeral for the family is believed to have taken place the next day, on October 9th, 2023. According to Jacobin, “Shamlakh’s family is one of now dozens of cases of Israeli bombing wiping out not just entire families, but entire family bloodlines.”

Airwars has been able to match all the names of those identified with names listed in the Palestinian Ministry of Health list of nearly 7000 victims’ names and ID numbers released on October 26th.

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

Due to the scale and urgency of Airwars’ assessment process, all images have been automatically uploaded to each assessment with the graphic filter applied to protect users. We have also included all images identified from the sources, which may also include any imagery of combatants.

The incident occured at approximately 8:30 pm local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (10)

Abdulnaser Asad Shamlakh عبدالناصر اسعد شملخ
56 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 954750832
Soha Jawan al-Saftawi سها جواد الصفطاوي
47 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 921577490
Ahmed Abdel Nasser Shamlakh أحمد شملخ
25 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 404132599
Warda Khamis Jibril وردة خميس جبريل
21 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 407915339
Abdulnaser Shamlakh عبدالناصر شملخ
2 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 445238140
Omar Shamlakh عمر شملخ
0.3 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 444254551
Marwan Shamlakh ممراون شملخ
22 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 407122779
Assad Shamlakh اسعد شملخ
20 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 408449569
Mohammed Shamlakh محمد شملخ
18 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 421142951
Yazan Shamlakh يزن شملخ
10 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 434078960

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 12
  • (3 children2 women5 men1 journalist)
  • 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 (27) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (27) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @mahmoud_qassa

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @mahmoud_qassa

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @Jales_tinian2

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmad Nimer Shamlakh

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmad Nimer Shamlakh

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmad Nimer Shamlakh

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmad Nimer Shamlakh

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmad Nimer Shamlakh

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmad Nimer Shamlakh

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Abo Al Nemer Al Khateeb

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: ِAl Jabour news

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @aawsat_News

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @aawsat_News

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @aawsat_News

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @aawsat_News

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @m7md_ghazali

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: DCI Palestine news

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: DCI Palestine news

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: DCI Palestine 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.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @channeldraw

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @Amore_Anarchia_

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the vicinity of Sheikh Ijlin (الشيخ عجلين) to the south of Gaza city (غَزَّة). Analysing audio-visual material from sources, we have narrowed the location down to the following exact coordinates: 31.504221, 34.417139.

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  • Imagery:
    @pmofa

  • Imagery:
    @pmofa

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
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10 – 12
  • (3 children2 women5 men1 journalist)
  • 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 (27) [ collapse]