Israel and Gaza 2023

Israel and Gaza 2023

Satellite imagery, screenshot from Google Earth, October 2023

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Incident Code

ISPT0537

Incident date

October 24, 2023

Location

منزل عائلة ابو رتيمة بتل السلطان غرب رفح, Abu Ratima family home in Tal al-Sultan, west of Rafah, Rafah, the Gaza Strip

Airwars assessment

On Tuesday, October 24th 2023, it was reported that three civilians were killed and at least seven were injured, including four children, as a result of an alleged Israeli airstrike on the Abu Ratima family home in Tal al-Sultan, west of Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip.

Teleet Barhoum had posted on Facebook on the day of the alleged strike explaining that 52-year-old Fawzia Barhoum had died of her injuries.

Maslah Ziyade Abu Khatleh posted that his brother 90-year-old Hamad Ziyad Ismail Abu Khatla was also killed as a result of the alleged strike. A picture the elderly Hamad, dressed smartly in a traditional thawb, was included.

Abu Waleed Abu Ratima posted the day after the alleged strike describing how many of his family members were affected. He reported that Ahmed Abu Artemah, a journalist, had been injured in the alleged strike. Ahmed’s three children, Abdullah, Muhammad and Boutal had also been injured in the incident.

Abu Waleed Abu Ratima also wrote how his sisters Fatima and Banan Selmy were also injured, as well as his daughter Joud. He reported that Banan and Joud remained in intensive care along with Abdullah.

Another victim, a 66-year-old woman named Khairiyah Ahmed Mohammed Al-Akhras was killed in the incident.

Rafah City Official Account put the estimates of injuries at dozens, however, no other sources corroborated this claim.

Palestine News posted an image, taken by Doaa Khaled, of a young woman in distress, with a young girl crying and holding on to her, as they walk away from the site of the alleged airstrike.

Doaa Khaled herself added photos of the destruction caused by the alleged airstrike, with the images showing a large crater in the ground, a pool of blood and a building with the walls missing from two floors. Pictures also showed people helping two men walk away from the destruction, they were covered in dust but appeared uninjured.

One source, Husseyn Abu Tareq, reported in a post on Facebook that the family of Abu Khatla in Jordan, Rafah and the diaspora mourned the death of their relative Hamad Ziyad Ismail Abu Khatla and multiple sources, referring to him as “uncle”, posted prayers for him.

A relative of the victims, Abu Waleed Abu Ratimah, in a post on Facebook, mourned the death of Fawzia and asked people to pray for the recovery of Betoul, Abdullah and Joud, who remained in intensive care.

Reports explained how the house was situated behind the Al-Qadisiyah School and multiple sources reported that the house belonged to Khairy Abu Ratima.

The pictures showed that the reported strike occurred during the day.

The identities of Khairiyah Ahmed Mohammed Al-Akhras and Hamad Ziyad Ismail Abu Khatla have been reconciled with the Palestinian Ministry of Health list of fatalities published on October 26, 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 (8)

Fawzia Barhoum فوزيه برهوم
Adult female Possible match with MoH ID 930682745 killed
Amhed Abu Artemah أحمد ابو ارتيمه
Adult male injured
Abdullah عبدالله
Child male injured
Muhammad محمد
Child male injured
Batoul بتول
Child female injured
Fatima فاطمة
Age unknown female injured
Banan Selmy بنان سلمي
Age unknown female injured
Joud جود
Child female injured

The victims were named as:

Hamad Ziyad Ismail Abu Khatla حمد زياد إسماعيل أبو ختله
90 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 975562018
Khairiyah Ahmed Mohammed Al-Akhras خيريه أحمد محمد الاخرس
66 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 907792238

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building, School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    7–24
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Impact
    Education
    Impact on services or infrastructure relating to education, health or food supply. See methodology note for details.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (9) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Maslah Ziyade Abu Khatleh

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Palestine News

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Doaa Khaled

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Doaa Khaled

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Doaa Khaled

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Doaa Khaled

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Doaa Khaled

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building, School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (2 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    7–24
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Unknown
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Impact
    Education
    Impact on services or infrastructure relating to education, health or food supply. See methodology note for details.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0428

Incident date

October 21, 2023

Location

منزلاً لعائلة الحناوي في منطقة الصفطاوي شمال قطاع غزة,, Al-Hanawi family home in Al-Saftawi, Northern Gaza Strip, northern Gaza Strip, the Gaza Strip

Airwars assessment

Shortly before 4:50 AM on October 21, 2023, four civilians, including two children, were killed and a number of civilians were injured by an alleged Israeli airstrike on the al-Hanawi family home located in the Al-Saftawi area in the northern Gaza Strip.

61-year-old Hamdi Al-Hanawi, was killed along with his son, 35-year-old Hassan Al-Hanawi, and his two granddaughters, Hasan’s daughters – one-year-old Asia Hassan Hamdi Al-Hanawi and six-year-old Sarah Hassan Hamdi Al-Hanawi. Several sources, including the Shehab Agency, reported injuries, but the overall number of injured remains unknown at the time of writing.

Relatives and friends mourned their losses on social media. Mohammad Lubbad, a nephew, spoke of his grief at the loss of his uncle. Describing Hamdi as “dear to our hearts,” he attached prayers for his family and included a photograph of Hamdi, a middle-aged man in a white T-shirt and white jacket.

Facebook user Muhanad Ahmed remembered his “dear neighbor” Hamdi al-Hanawi. Also on Facebook, user “Reform Man Abu Hamza” mourned the loss of “the son of a lifelong friend and a good and beloved neighbor.”

User Ghazal Hijazi, the cousin of Hamdi’s wife Hoda, wrote a condolence post for the family, where she stated that her cousin was “protected by Abu Hassan [Hamdi] al-Hanawi.”

Pictures of the burial were also circulated on social media: Hamdi can be seen wrapped in a body bag, and small bundles–the children–were pictured alongside.

All of the 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 4:50 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

Hamdi Hassan Abdel Fattah Al-Hanawi حمدي حسن عبد الفتاح الحناوي
61 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 960219863
Hassan Hamdi Hassan Al-Hanawi حسن حمدي حسن الحناوي
35 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 802127324
Asia Hassan Hamdi Al-Hanawi أسيا حسن حمدي الحناوي
1 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 445628480
Sarah Hassan Hamdi Al-Hanawi سارة حسن حمدي الحناوي
6 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 438927964

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 children2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (20) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (9) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mohammed Lubbad

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Rajul Al Iislah Abu Hamza

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: ahmedAlhenawi7

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: ahmedAlhenawi7

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: ahmedAlhenawi7

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: ahmedAlhenawi7

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ibrahim.lubbad

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ibrahim.lubbad

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ibrahim.lubbad

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
    4
  • (2 children2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (20) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT1437

Incident date

December 3, 2023

Location

مدرسة الفاخورة, al Fakhoura School, North Gaza, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.452843, 34.390054 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On the morning of December 3, 2023, a number of civilians were killed and injured, including a woman and a child, in an alleged Israeli strike at the gate of the Al Fakhoura School in the Jabalia Camp, located in North Gaza. Few specific details about the victims were publicly available.

At 3:27 am, the Palestinian Press Agency (Safa), among other sources on local and social media, reported that Israeli forces had allegedly committed “a new massacre…by bombing the gate of Al-Fakhoura School in Jabalia Camp, north of the Gaza Strip”. A correspondent for Al-Ghad TV also reported on the alleged bombing by Israeli forces, stating that the strike resulted “in martyrs and injuries.” Yaffa News Agency reported that there were a “number of casualties and injuries” as a result of the alleged bombing. Marsal Qatar alleged that “Israeli warplanes carried out a new massacre earlier today”, and that “they bombed a residential square and the gate of Al-Fakhoura School in the camp, which shelters hundreds of displaced people.”

On Twitter/X and Facebook, users @Poztve, Yousef el Hawney, and The Palestinian Community in Norway page shared two videos taken in the aftermath of the strike. In one 45-second clip, at least four casualties, including a child and a woman, can be seen lying on the ground, all of whom appear to be gravely wounded or dead. Screams are heard throughout the video, as people desperately try to tend to the victims and drag the bodies to safety. In the other video taken in the same area, locals can be seen trying to help a severely wounded and profusely bleeding man lying on the ground. The sources termed it as “a new Israeli massacre at al-Fakhoura school”, and as “one massacre after another.”

The names, details, and precise number of casualties are currently unknown.

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

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

The incident occured in the morning.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    IDP or refugee camp, School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 4
  • (0–1 children0–1 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–4
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Impact
    Education
    Impact on services or infrastructure relating to education, health or food supply. See methodology note for details.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention an alleged strike on al Fakhoura school (مدرسة الفاخورة) in Jabalia (جباليا), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.452843, 34.390054. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    IDP or refugee camp, School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 4
  • (0–1 children0–1 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–4
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Impact
    Education
    Impact on services or infrastructure relating to education, health or food supply. See methodology note for details.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISSY-010619

Incident date

June 1, 2019

Location

تل الشعار, Tal Al Sha’ar, Quneitra, Syria

Airwars assessment

At least three soldiers were killed and seven others were wounded in declared Israeli strikes on Tal Al Sha’ar in Quneitra on June 1, 2019.

Sputnik News reported that the Israeli strikes “led to the rise of three soldiers and wounding seven others in addition to material damage.” Syrian Arab News Agency also confirmed the death of “three martyrs and wounding seven soldiers were injured in addition to some material losses.”

A spokesman for the IDF tweeted “Israel defense sources targets a number of military targets in Syria # in response to the firing of two rockets at the # Jabal al-Sheikh north of Al Golan on Saturday evening. Among the targets: two artillery batteries and several monitoring and intelligence sites in the Golan area as well as a sa2 air defense battery.”

The incident occured at 04:10:00 local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Known attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Known target
    Assad regime
  • Belligerents reported killed
    3
  • Belligerents reported injured
    7

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Israeli Military
Official source

A spokesman for the IDF tweeted "Israel defense sources targets a number of military targets in Syria # in response to the firing of two rockets at the # Jabal al-Sheikh north of Al Golan on Saturday evening. Among the targets: two artillery batteries and several monitoring and intelligence sites in the Golan area as well as a sa2 air defense battery."

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Known attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Known target
    Assad regime
  • Belligerents reported killed
    3
  • Belligerents reported injured
    7

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT027

Incident date

May 12, 2021

Location

قرب معهد حمودة بيت لاهيا, Vicinity of Hamouda Institute, Beit Lahya, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.524657, 34.437209

Airwars assessment

At least two civilians were injured in alleged Israeli strikes next the Hamouda Institure in Beit Lahia on May 12, 2021.

@SafaPs reported that “two injuries arrived at the Indonesian hospital as a result of the Israeli raid against a group of citizens next to the Hamouda Sharia Institute in Beit Lahia”. Other sources also reported that there were injuries but did not provide a number.

@gaza_report referred to “two casualties” but doesn’t specify if they are injuries or deaths.

All of the sources that reported on the incident identified airstrikes as occurring and both @wtaanpress2 and @Arabi21News attributed the strikes to Israel.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Air strikes near Nayef Towers in Beit Lahiya‌ on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @wolfaksh)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the vicinity of Hamouda Institute ( معهد حمودة), within the city of Beit Lahiya (بيت لاهيا‎). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Hamouda Institute are: 31.545625, 34.512219.

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

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

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

M21ISPT093

Incident date

May 17, 2021

Location

عبسان الجديدة, Absan Al Jadida, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.341120, 34.344171 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Ahmed Fayez Arafat (28-30), claimed by Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigade to be a member, was killed and further civilian injuries, at least one, were reported in an Isreali drone strike in the farmlands in Absan Al Jadid on May 17,2021 at around 12:30 pm.

Wada PS News reported on the Israeli attack, stating that Ahmed Arafat was killed during the attack on a group of citizens in Absan al-Jadidah, east of Khan Younis. Several local sources stated that others were injured, whilst AqsaTv Channel specified that one other civilian was injured and Al Mezan news reported that others suffered light injuries.

The Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigade identified Ahmed Fayed Hassam Arafat as one of their members, referring to him as a “Mujahid Qassami”. Various sources refer to Ahmed as being a citizen and as being amongst a group of citizens but do not refer to him as a civilian.

All of the sources that reported on the incident attributed the strikes to Israel.

The incident occured at approximately 12:30 pm 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
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (31) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (9) [ collapse]

  • Ahmed Fayez Arafat, an alleged member of Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigade, was killed in Israeli strikes on Absan Al Jadid on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by @uzisall)
  • Ahmed Fayez Arafat, an alleged member of Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigade, was killed in Israeli strikes on Absan Al Jadid on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by @muhammedobuowda)
  • Ahmed Fayez Arafat, an alleged member of Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigade, was killed in Israeli strikes on Absan Al Jadid on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by @AlmakdesyMedia)
  • Ahmed Fayez Arafat, an alleged member of Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigade, was killed in Israeli strikes on Absan Al Jadid on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by Qassam PS)
  • Ahmed Fayez Arafat, an alleged member of Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigade, was killed in Israeli strikes on Absan Al Jadid on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by Qassam PS)
  • Ahmed Fayez Arafat, an alleged member of Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigade, was killed in Israeli strikes on Absan Al Jadid on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by Qassam PS)
  • Ahmed Fayez Arafat, an alleged member of Ezzedeen Al Qassam Brigade, was killed in Israeli strikes on Absan Al Jadid on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by Qassam PS)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention agricultural land being struck in Absan Al Jadid (عبسان الجديدة), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.341120, 34.344171. 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
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (31) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT120

Incident date

May 19, 2021

Location

السطر, Al Sitar, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.364694, 34.321869 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On May 20th, 2021, one woman was killed and up to ten civilians, including up to four children and two women, were injured as a result of an airstrike on the al-Sitar al-Gharbi neighborhood in Khan Yunis.

Israeli warplanes fired a missile at 5:10am at the al-Khawaldah family home. The Palestintian Center for Human Rights reported that seven were injured in the al-Kawaldah family home, including two women and two children in the al-Kawaldah family. One of the injured had to have his leg amputated. The strike also damaged the home of the neighboring al-Khozondar family, killing 32 year old Huda Salah Rabi’a al-Khozondar and injuring her husand, Na’elah Rabi’a al-Khuzondar, and her two year old daughter, Malak al-Khozondar.

Multiple sources confirmed the death of Huda, but differed on the injury count, with some reporting four and others reporting up to ten. The Herald reported “Weam Fares, a spokesman for a nearby hospital, confirmed her death and said at least 10 people were wounded in strikes overnight.”

The injured were taken to Nasser Governmental Hospital, according to Safa News.

Between two to four children were reported injured as a result of the strikes, with the Palestinian Center for Human Rights reporting three children were injured, and @KightRises_ on Twitter reporting four children were injured.

Al Araby News said that the strikes occurred without warning and attributed them to Israeli warplanes.

The incident occured at approximately 5:10 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Huda Salah Rabi’a al-Khozondar هدى صلاح ربيع الخزندار
36 years old female killed
Na’elah Rabi’a al-Khozondar نائلة ربيع الخزندار
Adult male injured
Malak al-Khozondar ملك الخزندار
2 years old female injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–10
  • 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 (57) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (32) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A man injured in strikes on the Al-Satar Al-Gharbi area on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by @MuathHumaid)
  • A casualty from strikes on the Al-Satar Al-Gharbi area on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by @MuathHumaid)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A baby injured in strikes on the Al-Satar Al-Gharbi area on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by @MuathHumaid)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A baby injured in strikes on the Al-Satar Al-Gharbi area on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by @MuathHumaid)
  • A baby being treated for its wounds sustained during strikes on the Al-Satar Al-Gharbi area on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by @pl24online)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child injured in strikes on the Al-Satar Al-Gharbi area on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by @pl24online)
  • https://www.alwatanvoice.com/arabic/news/2021/05/20/1414990.html
  • A baby being treated for its wounds sustained during strikes on the Al-Satar Al-Gharbi area on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by Al Watan)
  • A baby being treated for its wounds sustained during strikes on the Al-Satar Al-Gharbi area on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by Al Watan)
  • Destruction to homes caused by strikes on the Al-Satar Al-Gharbi area on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by Al Watan News)
  • Destruction to homes caused by strikes on the Al-Satar Al-Gharbi area on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by Al Watan News)
  • Destruction to homes caused by strikes on the Al-Satar Al-Gharbi area on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by Al Watan News)
  • Destruction to homes caused by strikes on the Al-Satar Al-Gharbi area on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by @PalinfoAr)
  • A martyr and injuries, including children, as the occupation targeted a house for the Khawaldeh family in the western line in Khan Yunis
  • Funeral for Huda Al-Khaznadar, killed in strikes on her home in Khan Younis on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by Ismail Farid via Facebook)
  • Funeral for Huda Al-Khaznadar, killed in strikes on her home in Khan Younis on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by Ismail Farid via Facebook)
  • Funeral for Huda Al-Khaznadar, killed in strikes on her home in Khan Younis on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by Hamza Zwba via Facebook)
  • Funeral for Huda Al-Khaznadar, killed in strikes on her home in Khan Younis on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by Hamza Zwba via Facebook)
  • Funeral for Huda Al-Khaznadar, killed in strikes on her home in Khan Younis on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by Hamza Zwba via Facebook)
  • Funeral for Huda Al-Khaznadar, killed in strikes on her home in Khan Younis on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by Hamza Zwba via Facebook)
  • #Watch the story of the assassination of the martyr Hoda Al-Khaznadar in Khan Yunis by the Israeli occupation in cold blood

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A man injured in strikes on the Al-Satar Al-Gharbi area on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by @AqsaTVChannel)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child being treated for its wounds sustained during strikes on the Al-Satar Al-Gharbi area on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by @LebUpdate)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child being treated for its wounds sustained during strikes on the Al-Satar Al-Gharbi area on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by @LebUpdate)
  • A baby being treated for its wounds sustained during strikes on the Al-Satar Al-Gharbi area on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by @LebUpdate)
  • Destruction to homes caused by strikes on the Al-Satar Al-Gharbi area on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by @LebUpdate)
  • A man being treated for its wounds sustained during strikes on the Al-Satar Al-Gharbi area on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by @KnightRises_)
  • A baby being treated for its wounds sustained during strikes on the Al-Satar Al-Gharbi area on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by @KnightRises_)
  • A baby being treated for its wounds sustained during strikes on the Al-Satar Al-Gharbi area on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by @KnightRises_)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the Al Sitar (السطر) area, for which the generic coordinates are: 31.364694, 34.321869. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Reports of the incident mention the Al Sitar (السطر) area.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

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
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–10
  • 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 (57) [ collapse]