Israel and Gaza 2023

Israel and Gaza 2023

Satellite imagery, screenshot from Google Earth, October 2023

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Incident Code

M21ISPT054

Incident date

May 14, 2021

Location

بلدة عبسان الكبرى شرق خان يونس, Abasan Al Kabira, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.323253, 34.344088 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A man was killed and one to two civilians were injured in an Israeli airstrike which targeted a group of people in a town east of Khan Younis, multiple sources reported. The man killed was identified as a member of the Islamic Jihad Movement.

The man killed was identified as 23-year-old Walid Zuhair Mohammed Abu Shab who was reportedly from the town of Bani Sohila. The military wing of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine posted a memorial for Walid, identifying him as a “Mujahid Martyr” and adding that he “received a number of military courses that qualified him to be a staunch mujahid from the Mujahideen of the Artillery Corps of Khan Yunis.”

The extent of the wounded civilian’s injuries was not clear, with Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights saying they were moderate and another source reporting that they were serious. The identity of the individual is also not known. Amad News reported an additional injury.

All of the victims of the strikes were taken to Nasser Hospital.

Al Haq indicated that the missile fired came from a drone and attributed the strikes to Israel.

The incident occured at 20:10:00 local time.

Summary

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

Sources (25) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (17) [ collapse]

  • Image of Walid Zuhair Mohammed Abu Shab who was reportedly killed by an Israeli airstrike on May 14th, 2021 (image via @WTaoEonYbL8sXmU)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Image of the victim from a May 14th, 2021 alleged Israeli airstrike east of Khan Younis (image via Mohammed Saloum)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Image showing the funeral of 23-year-old Walid Zuhair Mohammed Abu Shab who was killed by an Israeli airstrike, according to multiple sources (image via Fath 1965)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Image showing the funeral of 23-year-old Walid Zuhair Mohammed Abu Shab who was killed by an Israeli airstrike, according to multiple sources (image via Fath 1965)
  • Mourners at the funeral of 23-year-old Walid Zuhair Mohammed Abu Shab. A missile reportedly targeted a group of people on May 14th, 2021, resulting in his death (image via Fath 1965)
  • Mourners carrying the body of 23-year-old Walid Zuhair Mohammed Abu Shab. A missile reportedly targeted a group of people on May 14th, 2021, resulting in his death (image via Fath 1965)
  • Mourners at the grave site of the young man killed in a reported Israeli airstrike (image via Fath 1965)
  • Translated caption reads: Safa correspondent: An Israeli air strike on a land in the town of Abasan al-Kabira, east of Khan Yunis governorate, in the southern Gaza Strip (via Nwlyapp)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Video showing funeral procession of the young man reportedly killed by an Israeli airstrike on May 14th, 2021
  • image of Walid Zuhair Abu Shab training with the Mujahideen of the Artillery Corps of Khan Yunis. (Image posted by Saraya PS)
  • image of Walid Zuhair Abu Shab training with the Mujahideen of the Artillery Corps of Khan Yunis. (Image posted by Saraya PS)
  • image of Walid Zuhair Abu Shab training with the Mujahideen of the Artillery Corps of Khan Yunis. (Image posted by Saraya PS)
  • image of Walid Zuhair Abu Shab training with the Mujahideen of the Artillery Corps of Khan Yunis. (Image posted by Saraya PS)
  • image of Walid Zuhair Abu Shab training with the Mujahideen of the Artillery Corps of Khan Yunis. (Image posted by Saraya PS)
  • image of Walid Zuhair Abu Shab training with the Mujahideen of the Artillery Corps of Khan Yunis. (Image posted by Saraya PS)
  • Image of Walid Zuhair Abu Shab, identified to be a member of the military wing of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, who posted a memorial for Walid.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Image showing the funeral of 23-year-old Walid Zuhair Mohammed Abu Shab who was killed by an Israeli airstrike, according to multiple sources (image via Fath 1965)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Abasan Al Kabira (عبسان الجديدة), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.323253, 34.344088. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Summary

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

Sources (25) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT057

Incident date

May 14, 2021

Location

مخيم البريج, Al Bureij camp, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.441576, 34.402301 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A civilian was killed and up to 16 others injured in Israeli strikes targeting two houses in Gaza’s Al Bureij refugee camp, multiple sources reported.

The civilian killed was identified as Mahmoud Muhammad Ismail Al-Khalidi. Two sources said he was passing by the house of Ayman Nofal when it was hit by at least four missiles, while Al Haq said he was inside the house. The Times of Israel, citing Al Araby TV, described Nofal as commander of the Al-Qassam Brigades, which is Hamas’ armed wing. Fateh movement posted a memorial for Mahmoud but did not identify whether he was a member of any organizations.

B’Tselem provided testimony from Ahmad Khaled, 21, Mahmoud’s brother: “On Friday, 14 May 2021, around midday, I was at home. Our building has two apartments. One is mine and in the other, my parents live with my brother Mahmoud and his wife, who’s five months pregnant, and their daughter Ahlam, who’s a year and a half old. At around 1:30 P.M., Mahmoud came back from the bakery at the entrance to a-Nuseirat Refugee Camp where he’d been working for the last year. He wanted to have lunch quickly, so he could buy groceries at the market before he had to get back to work. A few minutes after he went out, I heard fighter jets bomb the camp. The sound was terrifying and very loud. The neighbors said the strike was aimed at the home of Ayman Nofal, who’s a Hamas operative, and at the home of the ‘Issa family, whose sons also belong to Hamas. I went outside immediately, because Ayman’s house is very close to ours. I saw that the house was in ruins. There were many civilians there searching for wounded people under the rubble. I joined them and we got several wounded people out, including an unconscious baby, an elderly man who had been injured in the head, a woman who was injured in her hands and face, and a guy who was injured in the chest. They were carried to Palestinian Red Crescent ambulances, except for one guy who was evacuated in a civilian car. I went back home. About two hours passed and my brother Mahmoud still hadn’t come back. We started worrying about him and I called the bakery where he worked, but they told me he hadn’t returned. At the same time, we heard on the news that there was an unidentified martyr from al-Bureij Refugee Camp at a-Shuhada al-Aqsa Hospital. I went with my uncle Khalil, 62, and his two sons, Isma’il and Zeid, to the hospital and we asked to see the body. When they opened the refrigerator, I saw a body that was completely mutilated, especially around the head and face. I looked at his pants and checked the left hand, because one of Mahmoud’s fingers was cut off at the tip. Then I recognized it was my brother. I blacked out and didn’t know what was going on around me. I woke up at home, surrounded by some of my friends. We later found out that the rescue teams had located Mahmoud while I was searching for wounded people under the rubble. They found him inside warehouses under a nearby house, about six meters away from the house that had been bombed. He’d probably been passing by the house as the missile hit it and was blown away by the force of the blast. The warehouse doors were completely destroyed. We buried my brother the next day, in the cemetery of al-Bureij Refugee Camp. His hobby was hand wrestling and he was a large, strong man. He’d been into bodybuilding since he was 14 and worked out regularly. Mahmoud provided for my parents. My father used to work as a driver, but a few years ago he got sick and stopped working. Mahmoud worked every spare moment to support the family. He didn’t belong to any faction or political organization.”

Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights and the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights also reported 15 injuries as a result of this, including four women and two children, which the latter said were minor to medium. Al Haq put the number of injuries at lower; it reported ten injured civilians, but included the same number of women and children who it said had been in a neighbouring house at the time of the strike.

A further injury was reported by a single source as result of an airstrike on the second house. This house reportedly belong to Marwan Issa, and was hit in the same camp five minutes after, according to the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights. He has been described as the deputy commander of Al-Qassam. This incident is also recorded here due to the close time and location proximity.

The Israeli military has not confirmed reports of airstrikes targeting Ayman Nofal or Marwan Issa. The reporting around this event does not indicate that either men were killed.

Nearby houses also reportedly sustained damage.

The incident occured at 13:40:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Mahmoud Muhammad Ismail Al-Khalidi وليد زهير محمد ابو شاب
27 years old male Sources put him at either 27 or 28 years old killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    8–16
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces

Sources (35) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (16) [ collapse]

  • Translated image caption: The martyrdom of Cousin Mahmoud Muhammad Ismail Al-Khalidi May God accept you and have mercy on him, Hamada (via Mohammed Al Khaldi)
  • Translated image caption: Occupation warplanes destroyed a house for the Nofal family in the Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip (via @mubaidin_rashed)
  • Image of Mahmoud Muhammad Ismail Al-Khalidi, who was reportedly killed in a May 14th, 2021 Israeli airstrike (image via Jamil Al Sous)
  • Image of young man killed on May 14th, 2021 as a result of an alleged Israeli strike on a house (image via Khaled al Dura)
  • Image of the young man killed in a reported Israeli airstrike. He may have been in or passing the house hit (image via Mohammed Mubarak Al Khaldi)
  • Image caption: The moment a house was targeted in the Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip (image via @fadelmghari)
  • Image caption: The moment a house was targeted in the Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip (image via @fadelmghari)
  • Image caption: The moment a house was targeted in the Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip (image via @fadelmghari)
  • Image reportedly showing the destruction caused by an Israeli airstrike on May 14th, 2021 in Al Bureij camp (image via @HearGaza24)
  • Image reportedly showing the destruction caused by an Israeli airstrike on May 14th, 2021 in Al Bureij camp (image via @HearGaza24)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Image reportedly showing the remains of a young man killed on May 14th, 2021 (image via Um Rouhi)
  • Caption: A video of the Nofel family’s house completely destroyed by the Israeli occupation warplanes and the surrounding homes in Al Bureij camp in central Gaza Strip
  • Image of Mahmoud Muhammad Al-Khalidi "Hamada", killed in strikes on Al-Bureij camp on May 14, 2021. (Image posted by Fateh movement)
  • Image of the funeral for Mahmoud Muhammad Al-Khalidi "Hamada", killed in strikes on Al-Bureij camp on May 14, 2021. (Image posted by Fateh movement)
  • Image of the funeral for Mahmoud Muhammad Al-Khalidi "Hamada", killed in strikes on Al-Bureij camp on May 14, 2021. (Image posted by Fateh movement)
  • Image of the funeral for Mahmoud Muhammad Al-Khalidi "Hamada", killed in strikes on Al-Bureij camp on May 14, 2021. (Image posted by Fateh movement)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the Nofal family house in the Al Bureij camp (مخيم البريج). Analyzing visual material from sources, we have narrowed down the location to these exact coordinates: 31.441576, 34.402301. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to further verify the location of the Issa family house.

  • Reports of the incident mention the Nofal family house in the Al Bureij camp (مخيم البريج).

    Imagery:
    Soar

  • Tagged visual material from sources.

    Imagery:
    @HearGaza24

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
  • Civilians reported injured
    8–16
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces

Sources (35) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT058

Incident date

May 14, 2021

Location

Al Rabie Building, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.511259, 34.448628 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to three civilians, including at least one child, were killed in an Israeli airstrike on an apartment building in Gaza city on May 14th, 2021, multiple sources reported. Up to ten injuries were also reported.

The child was identified as 12-year-old Abdullah Ashraf Abdullah Jouda. A second individual, named as Adam Mohammed Al-Farawi, was also reportedly killed. One source recorded him as 18-years-old, another as 20, but Al Haq recorded him as just one-years-old. A photo shared on social media by someone describing themselves as a friend of Al-Farawi however indicates that the Al Haq age could be inaccurate.

B’Tselem collected testimony from Muhammad al-Far’awi, 63, a father of eight including Adam: On Friday, 14 May 2021, at 8:30 P.M., I was at home with my family. We lived on the third floor. I was sitting in bed with my wife Sahar, and our daughter Dina, 15, was in her room. In the room next door, our son Adam was lying on his bed on the left side of the room. The rest of our kids – Dima, 17, Mahmoud, 12, and Lina, 10 – were in the living room. Suddenly, there was a huge blast. I later realized there had been two missiles. One hit the apartment below us and started a fire that reached our apartment. Our room and Adam’s caught fire. The other hit Adam’s room directly, but didn’t explode. My wife and I tumbled out of bed onto the floor. I got up immediately and went towards the door, trying to put out the flames. I left the room and found Adam standing in his doorway. His whole body was going up in flames. He looked like a ball of fire. His sister Dima was standing in front of him, screaming for us to help him. I started putting out the flames and wrapped him in blankets to save him. I was terrified were would be another bombing while I was trying to save him. I managed to get him to the entrance to the house, covered him and told him to rest. A few minutes later, ambulances came and took Adam to hospital. Sahar went with him and told him everything would be okay. He told her he was in a lot of pain. I went home to check on the other kids. There were fire trucks putting out the fire in the building from the outside. I tried to put out the flames inside the apartment. Our apartment, especially Adam’s room, was in ruins. We can’t live there anymore. Then I went out of the apartment and fainted. My neighbors and the building’s security guard came over to me, and an ambulance took me to a-Shifaa Hospital. My daughters Dina and Lina went to the neighbors’ house, and my sons Mahmoud and Dima went to the hospital to be with Sahar. Adam had burns on 95% of his body. The doctors tried to treat him at the hospital’s trauma unit until 11:00 P.M., but they couldn’t help him. He was transferred to the ICU, and my wife and I weren’t allowed to see him. We went to stay with my wife’s aunt, who lives near the hospital.At night, at 2:00 A.M., the hospital informed us that Adam had passed away. That was the hardest moment of my life….Adam was a Taekwondo athlete and was famous in the sports community. The club he trained at was preparing him for competitions in France.”

Confusingly social media user @walaa23zaki, while not disputing three deaths from the incident, listed different names for the deceased; Said Hamdi Al-Rifi, Mahmoud Alaa Al-Rifi and Nasser Yahya Qazat. None of the reporting around this incident notes these names.

Amad News reported that ten injuries were taken to the local hospital, while @Issam4Gaza noted eight injuries with two of those serious.

The apartment building hit was called Al-Rabea Tower. According to Al Mezen Centre for Human Rights, it contained 27 apartments, three of which were completely destroyed while the rest were considerably damaged. The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights reported that Jouda was killed on the second floor, and Al-Farawi on the third.

The incident occured at approximately 8:00 pm local time.

The victims were named as:

Abdullah Ashraf Abdullah Jouda عبدالله اشرف عبدالله جودة
12 years old male killed
Adam Mohammed Al-Farawi ادم محمد الفاروي
Age unknown male Sources indicated he was either 18 or 20, with a single source claiming he was just one-years-old killed
Muhammad al-Far’awi
63 years old male Father of Adam injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • (1–2 children1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    8–10
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (34) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (10) [ collapse]

  • Translated caption reads: #Urgent Shehab Reporter: The number of martyrs as a result of the occupation's bombing of a residential apartment in Al Rabie Building in Al Thalatini area in Gaza City has risen to 3. (Image posted by @ShehabAgency)
  • 12-year-old Abdullah Ashraf Abdullah Jouda was killed in an alleged Israeli airstrike on May 14th, 2021. (Image posted by Haytham Joud)
  • Image shared of Adam Mohammed Al-Farawi was was killed by an alleged Israeli airstrike on May 14th, 2021. (Image post by Moaid Khalil)
  • Children stand next to the body of 12-year-old Abdullah Ashraf Abdullah Jouda, who died after his apartment building was hit by an Israeli airstrike, multiple sources reported. (Image posted by @paltimes2015)
  • Image from the funeral of Abdullah Ashraf Abdullah Jouda who was killed on May 14th, 2021. (Image posted by @paltimes2015)
  • The funeral of 12-year-old Abdullah Ashraf Abdullah Jouda. (Image posted by @paltimes2015)
  • Image of Abdullah Ashraf Abdullah Jouda, who was killed after an Israeli airstrike reportedly hit his apartment building at around 8pm of May 14th, 2021. (Image shared by his family with Defence for Children International - Palestine)
  • Damage caused by strikes on the Al Rabie Building, south of Al Saraya, on May 14, 2021. (Image posted by @msdrnews1)
  • Rescue crews arrive following strikes on the Al Rabie Building, south of Al Saraya, on May 14, 2021. (Image posted by @msdrnews1)
  • Image from the funeral of Abdullah Ashraf Abdullah Jouda who was killed on May 14th, 2021. (Image posted by @paltimes2015)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the Al Rabie building (عمارة الربيع), behind the Zafer Tower (برج الظافر) in the Al Thalatini (الثلاثيني) neighbourhood of Gaza (غَزَّة). Analyzing visual material from sources, we have narrowed down the location to these exact coordinates: 31.511259, 34.448628.

  • Reports of the incident mention the Al Rabie building (عمارة الربيع), behind the Zafer Tower (برج الظافر) in the Al Thalatini (الثلاثيني) neighbourhood of Gaza (غَزَّة).

    Imagery:
    Planet

  • Tagged visual material from sources.

    Imagery:
    @msdrnews1

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
    2 – 3
  • (1–2 children1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    8–10
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (34) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT055

Incident date

May 14, 2021

Location

ِشارع النزهه, جباليا , Nuzha Street, Jabalia, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.538711, 34.495108 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A six-year-old girl was killed by shrapnel while outside her house in Jabalia on May 14th, 2021, multiple sources reported. The majority of sources said the shrapnel resulted from nearby Israeli shelling, but Defence for Children International – Palestine and NGO Monitor reported that it came from a rocket-propelled grenade. Rocket-propelled grenades are commonly used by Palestinian militants.

The girl was named as Buthaina Mahmoud Issa Obaid. She was reported to have had a disability, which a source identified as cerebral palsy. The shrapnel struck her head and although she was rushed to hospital, she was unfortunately pronounced dead on arrival.

Defence for Children International – Palestine noted it had not yet been able to confirm the source of the rocket-propelled grenade and said it was continuing to investigate the incident. NGO Monitor, a group based in Jerusalem, alleged that “this incident is the result of Palestinian munitions: Either one of the RPGs fired by Palestinians towards Israel misfired, or an Israeli strike on a weapons cache led to secondary explosions.”

There were no other reports of harm as a result of this incident.

The incident occured at 21:15:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Buthaina Mahmoud Issa Obaid بثينة محمود عيسى عبيد
6 years old female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • 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 (31) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Buthaina Obaid died on May 14th, 2021 from a shrapnel wound to her head (image shared by her family with Defence for Children International - Palestine)
  • Image of Buthaina Mahmoud Issa Obaid (image via @GheedHissy)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention Al Nuzha street (شارع النزهه), allegedly within the city of Jabalia (جباليا). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Jabalia are: 31.538711, 34.495108.

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 harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • 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 (31) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT056

Incident date

May 14, 2021

Location

قرب مسجد عبد الرزاق قليبو ، بيت لاهيا, Vicinity of Abdul Razzaq Qalibo Mosque, Beit Lahiya, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.534707, 34.514108 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to two civilians were killed in Israeli airstrikes in Beit Lahia on May 14th, 2021, according to multiple sources. Scores of missiles reportedly hit the area around Qlabia Mosque in Glebo hill, destroying it and resulting in the casualties. Two other men identified as members of Al Qassam were also killed.

A single source, @alwatanvoice, reported two fatalities. The majority of sources however reported three or four civilian deaths. The dead were identified as brothers Ahmed Hatem Mahmoud al-Mansi and Yusef al-Mansi, and Ahmed Muhammad Abdel Aziz Sabah, who Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights said was a neighbour. Only the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights provided an identity for the fourth reported victim. Alongside the three names above, it also named Hatem al-Mansi as one of the fatalities. Despite providing four names, they confusingly note only three fatalities.

Both Ahmed Hatem Al-Mansi and Ahmed Mohamed Sabah were identified by Al Qassam as “Mujahid Qassami” in memorial posts for both of them. Neither of the other two men were reported to be associated with militant groups.

According to the Palestinian Centre of Human Rights, five minutes after the mosque was hit residents rushed to house of Hatem al-Mansi which was on its southern side as they believed it had been targeted. It reported, “When the residents arrived at al-Mansi’s house and entered it, an Israeli drone fired a missile at the house garden. As a result, 3 civilians, including 2 brothers, were killed while 5 others, including a woman, were injured. One of those injured sustained serious wounds.”

Anadolu Agency reported that about 30 air raids targeted the area of Glebo hill that night. PCHR reported five injuries as a result of this incident, while @alwatanvoice reported six and Almasry Alyoum claimed dozens citing Ma’an News.

The last Facebook post from Yusef al-Mansi was shared by Quds News Network and others, during which he wrote: “These could be our last hrs as the next strikes may kill us. Whoever has grudge against me, please forgive me because I swear I never meant to hurt anyone. I bear witness that there is no God by Allah and that Muhammad is his messenger”. A video also circulated on social media of the brother of Yusef and Ahmed al-Mansi, Mohammad al-Mansi, reacting to the realisation that they were among the casualties. He was reportedly a photographer covering the events from the hospital at the time.

The brothers were identified as twins by @MuathHumaid but other sources indicated at least a ten year age gap between them. The same source also shared an image of Yusef al-Mansi in uniform, possibly the uniform of a Gaza police officer. The Chief General of Police, Major General Mahmoud Salah, also identified Yusef as a member of the police force.

One source indicated the casualties came from Israeli shelling, not airstrikes.

The incident occured around midnight.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Yusef al-Mansi يوسف المنسي
22 years old male Yusef was reportedly killed alongside his brother Ahmed killed
Ahmed Hatem Mahmoud al-Mansi احمد حاتم محمود المنسي
34 years old male Ahmed was reportedly killed alongside his brother Yusef

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–12
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2

Sources (59) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (33) [ collapse]

  • Images show the damaged to the Abdul Razzaq Qalibo reportedly targeted by Israeli airstrike on May 14th, 2021.(Image via @khaledalzoubii_)
  • The mosque prior to its destruction. (Image posted by @khaledalzoubii_)
  • Aftermath of the May 14th, 2021 incident which destroyed a mosque and reportedly killed three civilians in a nearby garden. (Image posted by @RassdNewsN)
  • Image of the destruction caused to a mosque in Beit Lahia by reported Israeli strikes on May 14th, 2021. (Image posted by @RassdNewsN)
  • Image of Yusef al-Mansi. Shown in uniform, possibly the uniform of Gaza police officers. (Image posted by @MuathHumaid)
  • Translated image caption: The martyr Ahmed Sabah, who rose a little while ago in the violent raids that targeted the Qalibo Mosque and its surroundings in the northern Gaza Strip. (Posted by @5br3ajel)
  • Yusef al-Mansi who was reportedly killed on May 14th, 2021 alongside a brother and neighbour. (Image posted by @Betelgeuse100)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Video from the scene of the May 14th, 2021 incident. Shows the victims being put into ambulances. (Video posted by @AhmadNbaly)
  • Translated image caption: The moment the warplanes launched a series of violent raids on safe houses in the Qalibo area, east of Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip. (Video posted by @paltimes2015)
  • Ahmed al-Mansi who was reportedly killed by heavy Israeli strikes on May 14th, 2021. His brother also died. (Image posted by Ayman Abo Omar)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An image of Ahmed al-Mansi following the reported airstrike that took his life on May 14th, 2021. (Image posted by Ayman Abo Omar)
  • Ahmed al-Mansi who was reportedly killed by heavy Israeli strikes on May 14th, 2021. His brother also died. (Image posted by Ayman Abo Omar)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Body of Ahmed Muhammad Abdel Aziz Sabah seemingly taken from the morgue. He was killed by a reported Israeli airstrike on May 14th, 2021 in Beit Lahia. (Image posted by @abomohammed40)
  • Caption: The call to prayer over the rubble of the Qlaibo mosque that was destroyed by Israeli warplanes in northern Gaza. (Video posted by Press TV)
  • Video reportedly shows brother of two of the deceased in the hospital. He was reportedly covering the incident and reacts to realising his brothers are among the dead . (Video via @mohamed_mdn)
  • Ahmed Hatem Al-Mansi, identified as a "Mujahid Qassami by Al Qassam, was killed in airstrikes on Qalibo Mosque on May 14, 2021. (Image posted by Al Qassam)
  • Ahmed Hatem Al-Mansi, identified as a "Mujahid Qassami by Al Qassam, was killed in airstrikes on Qalibo Mosque on May 14, 2021. (Image posted by Al Qassam)
  • Ahmed Hatem Al-Mansi, identified as a "Mujahid Qassami by Al Qassam, was killed in airstrikes on Qalibo Mosque on May 14, 2021. (Image posted by Al Qassam)
  • Ahmed Hatem Al-Mansi, identified as a "Mujahid Qassami by Al Qassam, was killed in airstrikes on Qalibo Mosque on May 14, 2021. (Image posted by Al Qassam)
  • Ahmed Mohamed Sabah, identified as a "Mujahid Qassami by Al Qassam, was killed in airstrikes on Qalibo Mosque on May 14, 2021. (Image posted by Al Qassam)
  • Ahmed Mohamed Sabah, identified as a "Mujahid Qassami by Al Qassam, was killed in airstrikes on Qalibo Mosque on May 14, 2021. (Image posted by Al Qassam)
  • Ahmed Mohamed Sabah, identified as a "Mujahid Qassami by Al Qassam, was killed in airstrikes on Qalibo Mosque on May 14, 2021. (Image posted by Al Qassam)
  • Ahmed Mohamed Sabah, identified as a "Mujahid Qassami by Al Qassam, was killed in airstrikes on Qalibo Mosque on May 14, 2021. (Image posted by Al Qassam)
  • Aftermath of the May 14th, 2021 incident which destroyed a mosque and reportedly killed three civilians in a nearby garden. (Image posted by @RassdNewsN)
  • Aftermath of the May 14th, 2021 incident which destroyed a mosque and reportedly killed three civilians in a nearby garden. (Image posted by @RassdNewsN)
  • Aftermath of the May 14th, 2021 incident which destroyed a mosque and reportedly killed three civilians in a nearby garden. (Image posted by @ShehabAgency)
  • Image of the Qalibo Mosque before it was bombed on May 14, 2021. (Image posted by @Mohsobhi84)
  • Image of one of the victims of the bombing of Qalibo Mosque on May 14, 2021. (Image posted by @Mohsobhi84)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a residential building being struck in the vicinity of the Abdul Razzaq Qalibo (عبد الرزاق قليبو) mosque. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Abdul Razzaq Qalibo mosque are: 31.534707, 34.514108.

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–12
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2

Sources (59) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT059

Incident date

May 14, 2021

Location

الشيخ ناصر, Sheikh Nasser, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.340836, 34.311321 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between two and seven civilians were reportedly injured in an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis on May 14th, 2021.

A house belonging to the Abu Shakra family was hit in the incident. Many sources said it specifically belonged to Ziad Abu Shakra. Al Haq said this led to two injuries, while the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights said seven people were injured as a result of shattering rubble, with neighbouring houses also damaged.

It noted that the house was home to a family of seven, including 2 women and 3 children, but it was not clear if any of that family were among the injured. Al Mezan said the seven injuries were from shrapnel. A second house in the area, owned by the Abu Shahla family, was also hit but there were no reported casualties as a result.

The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights reported: “At approximately 18:50, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a house belonging to Ziad ‘Abdel ‘Aziz Abu Shaqrah in al-Sheikh Naser neighborhood in Khan Younis. Few minutes later, Israeli warplanes launched a missile at a one-story house (360 sqms) and completely destroyed it.”

The Israeli Defence Forces confirmed that they targeted two houses, although it refers to them as apartments. The statement says that “IDF fighter jets and aircraft struck two apartments which served as weapons storage warehouses for the Hamas terror organisation. The warehouses that were struck were in the residence of Hamas naval force operatives Muhammad Abu Shala and Fares Abu Shukran.” It also published a video of the airstrikes.

ِAl Mezan Centre for Human Rights reported that according to its field reports, Israeli forces had called the residents of Abu Shakra’s house 30 minutes before the attack to inform them of their intention to target the property. The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights others in the area were also called to tell nearby houses to also evacuate.

A social media post from Al Habeeb Najjar noted that Ziad Abu Shakra, the reported owner of the houses, was an engineer. Najjar identified himself as Ziad Shakra’s brother-in-law.

Al Haq said the strike happened at 8.35pm while two other sources said it happened at 6.50pm.

The incident occured at approximately 6:50 pm local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–7
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Known attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Known target
    Palestinian Forces

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • Translated image caption: The house of Engineer Ziad Abu Shakra, my sister's husband, was bombed and flattened. (Image posted by Al Habeeb Najjar)
  • Between two and seven civilian casualties were reported injured from a confirmed Israeli airstrike on a building on May 14th, 2021. (Image posted by Jihad Al Battah)
  • Image of damage caused to a house in Khan Younis shared by someone describing themselves as a neighbour. (Image posted by Jihad Al Battah)
  • Image of damage caused in Khan Younis shared by someone describing themselves as a neighbour. (Image posted by Jihad Al Battah)
  • IDF video of strikes on "two weapons storage warehouses belonging to Hamas naval force operatives". (Video posted by the Israeli Defence Forces spokesperson)
  • Translated image caption: Israeli warplanes bombing the house of the Abu Shaqra family in Khan Younis, Sheikh Nasser area. (Video posted by @shuaib_emad)

Geolocation notes (4) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a house in the Sheikh Nasser (الشيخ ناصر) neighbourhood of Khan Younis (خان يونس‎). Analyzing visual material from sources, we have narrowed down the location to these exact coordinates: 31.340836, 34.311321.

  • Reports of the incident mention a house in the Sheikh Nasser (الشيخ ناصر) neighbourhood of Khan Younis (خان يونس‎).

    Imagery:
    Planet

  • Tagged visual material from sources.

    Imagery:
    Jihad Al Battar

  • Tagged visual material from sources.

    Imagery:
    Jihad Al Battar

  • Tagged visual material from sources.

    Imagery:
    Al Habeeb Najjar

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Israeli Military
Official source

IDF strikes two weapons storage warehouses belonging to Hamas naval force operatives

Earlier today, an IDF fighter jet and aircraft struck two apartments which served as weapons storage warehouses for the Hamas terror organization. The warehouses that were struck were in the residence of Hamas naval force operatives Muhammad Abu Shala and Fares Abu Shukran.

Attached is a video from the strike: https://bit.ly/2QjIMln

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–7
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Known attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Known target
    Palestinian Forces

Incident Code

M21ISPT060

Incident date

May 14, 2021

Location

البلعي, Al Bal’i, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.539125, 34.535645 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Over 50 civilians were injured in a heavy aerial bombardment of Beit Hanoun by Israeli forces on May 14th, 2021, multiple sources reported.

While all other sources only reported injuries, one source @QudsNen, reported four deaths but it seems that this is likely referring to the over deaths in North Gaza. No further information was provided on the alleged deaths and a quote from resident Mohammed al-Zoni provided to Al Jazeera specifically mentions that no one was killed in the attack.

There was also not much information on who was injured, although multiple sources report that women and children were among the wounded.

The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights reported that a heavy bombardment began at around midnight and lasted two hours, with three places targeted, including Beit Hanoun. The al-Ba’li Street in Beit Hanoun was especially hit, it said. Al Jazeera reported that an “entire residential area in Beit Hanoun was devastated”.

While not confirming this specific incident, the Israeli Defence Forces did release a statement saying that an operation of 160 aircraft had “struck over 150 underground targets in the northern Gaza Strip” over the course of the night. Beit Hanoun is in northern Gaza. Alongside airstrikes, hundreds of artillery shells and dozens of tank shells were fired, it said. The statement added that the purpose of the operation was to damage underground tunnels built by Hamas.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Mohammed al-Zoni, a resident of the area hit, said that as many as 30 houses were destroyed and “Everything that has to do with life has been destroyed,” he said. “Cars, carts, fields … everything.” No warning was given prior to the assault.

Taher al-Kafarneh, 68, gave the Guardian the following account detailing the chaos. He says he was sheltering in a house with about 150 people at the time:  “At about midnight, the intense bombardment began with rockets from each side in addition to artillery, and the street was bombed with violent and continuous missiles.” It is unclear if he means from around the vicinity or from both Palestinian forces and Israeli sources when he mentions “rockets from each side”.

He continues: “A shell from a plane or artillery … I don’t know … hit the last floor of the house, in which some of my children and their children stayed, and the electricity of the house was cut off … Everyone was screaming. About 40 to 50 people from the house were injured from the bombing, and we escaped on foot, until ambulances arrived. Even then they could not reach the house because of bombing in the street. So people started carrying the injured.”

Haitham al-Kafarneh, another resident who may be from the same family as the man quoted in the Guardian article, said to Wafa news that an Israeli reconnaissance plane fired a missile near his house to force its residents to evacuate.

Al Watan voice reported the use of naval boats, alongside artillery shelling and airstrikes. No other source reported naval involvement, but there were other mentions of artillery shelling.

The incident occured around midnight.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 4
  • Civilians reported injured
    40–51
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (29) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (11) [ collapse]

  • Image from the scene of the heavy bombardment in Beit Hanoun on May 14th, 2021. (Image posted by @ShehabAgency)
  • Image from the scene of the heavy bombardment in Beit Hanoun on May 14th, 2021. Up to 50 injuries were reported. (Image posted by @ShehabAgency)
  • The damage to a building hit during a reportedly heavy night of bombing. (Image posted by @ShehabAgency)
  • A residential area in Beit Hanoun sustained significant damage around midnight on May 14th, 2021. (Image shared by @a014576)
  • A residential area in Beit Hanoun sustained significant damage around midnight on May 14th, 2021. Up to 50 injuries were reported. (Image shared by @a014576)
  • Image shows the damage caused to a residential area in Beit Hanoun at midnight on May 14th, 2021. (Image posted by Al Watan voice)
  • Translated image caption: Beit Hanoun in Gaza this morning...families are homeless and they're starting their morning trying to find their family members under the rubble. (Image posted by @itsnotsuhad)
  • Translated image caption: Beit Hanoun in Gaza this morning...families are homeless and they're starting their morning trying to find their family members under the rubble. (Image posted by @itsnotsuhad)
  • Video showing the destroyed area. (Vide posted by @ShehabAgency)
  • Video showing destruction to the area. (Video shared by @MuathHumaid)
  • Video of the area hit in the May 14th, 2021 reportedly heavy Israeli bombardment of Beit Hanoun. (Video posted by Al Ghad TV)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Al Bal’i (البلعي) area, allegedly within the town of Beit Hanoun (بيت حانون‎). Extensive damage to the area visible from satellite imagery suggests that a possible location for this strike is at these coordinates: 31.539125, 34.535645. 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 and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 4
  • Civilians reported injured
    40–51
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (29) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT061

Incident date

May 14, 2021

Location

ِبني سهيلا, Bani Suheila, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.34213017, 34.32534365 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A civilian may have been killed and another wounded in an alleged Israeli strike in the town of Bani Suhaila on May 14, 2021.

Reporting about strikes on Bani Suhaila seem to indicate that two separate locations were struck with missiles. Sources mostly either reported the death of a civilian and the injury of another as a result of a group of people being targeted in the area or reported a house being hit but did not mention any casualties. @aeinnews reported the strike hit agricultural land but also did not mention casualties. There was no information on the identity of the reported victims.

It is possible that the sources reporting the civilian harm are referring to an incident recorded in entry ISPT054. In this a man reportedly from Bani Suhaila was killed and another injured in a strike that targeted a group of people. Those sources report it in a slightly different place, Absan Alkubra, but this lies very close to Bani Suhaila. We have included a range in the civilian casualty estimate to reflect this possibility.

Sources either reported the use of airstrikes, rockets, missiles or shells.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Translated image caption: #Photos: Occupation warplanes bombed agricultural land near Bani Suhaila roundabout in Khan Yunis governorate. (Image posted by @aeinnews)
  • There were conflicting reports around a strike reported on May 14, 2021 in the Bani Sohila town. (Image posted by @aeinnews)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a roundabout in the town of Bani Suheila (بني سهيلا), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.34213017, 34.32534365. 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 and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (15) [ collapse]