Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

CS1990

Incident date

January 21, 2023

Location

الشحيل, Al Shahil, Deir Ezzor, Syria

Geolocation

35.104756, 40.456084 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A civilian was injured during a declared raid carried out by CENTCOM and partner forces in Al Shahil on January 21, 2023. Up to three alleged ISIS members were also arrested during the raid.

CENTCOM released a statement that “US Central Command forces conducted a partnered helicopter and ground assault raid in eastern Syria, Jan. 21, capturing two ISIS-Syria members, Abdallah Hamid Muslih al-Maddad AKA Abu Hamza al-Suri, an ISIS facilitator, and Husam Hamid al-Muslih al-Maddad, al-Khayr, ISIS facilitator and logistician, and one associate. One civilian received minor injuries. “The injured civilian was escorted by our partner forces to a nearby medical care facility along with an accompanying family member,” said Colonel Joe Buccino, a CENTCOM spokesperson. “He received care and was released back to his family.”

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that during an operation carried out by the Anti-Terrorism Units with the support of International Coalition aircraft, three members of ISIS were arrested when the home of the “Al-Madad” family in the town of Al Shahil was raided. SOHR added that the operation lasted two hours and consisted of the Coalition forces asking the wanted persons to surrender via loudspeaker, however when the wanted persons refused, clashes took place.

@Sharqya_reporte tweeted that the home that was raided belongs to Hamid Al-Musleh Al-Madad and that Hisham Al-Hamid Al-Musleh was arrested for unknown reasons. @HamamIssa7 added that Majid Kamel Al Musleh and the son of Subh Al-Musleh, 13 years old, were also arrested.

Halab Today TV added that Abd Hamed Al-Musleh was also arrested, and that a fourth person escaped from the raid – Hisham Al-Hamid Al-Musleh. According to Halab Today, all men arrested are cousins of Hisham, who was residing in the city of Ras Al-Ain before coming back to Al Shahil and that Hisham is a close associate of Sabahi Ibrahim al-Musleh, an alleged member of ISIS who was killed by an air strike carried out by the Coalition in October 2022 in the city of Ras al-Ain.

A tweet from @nahermedia reported that on February 19th, a Coalition helicopter released Majid Kamel Al-Musleh Al-Medad on the outskirts of the town of Al Shahil after being held for a month.

A local source told Al Araby that “the operation was accompanied by the sound of explosions in the area, without knowing whether any injuries occurred during the operation.” Eye of Euphrates identified machine guns from Coalition helicopters as used in conjunction with an SDF military convoy.

A tweet from @alsharqia24news identified the location as being in the Al-Hawi area of Al Shahil. @Rian_almasri stated that following the raid, the Coalition forces headed towards the Al-Omar oil field.

The incident occured around midnight.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (24) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Al-Khabour correspondent: The International Coalition forces are carrying out an airdrop on the outskirts of the city of Al-Shuhail, in conjunction with an intense flight of the International Coalition aircraft.
  • Statement from CENTCOM
  • Image of the alleged ISIS members detained during a raid by the SDF and Coalition on January 22, 2023. (Image posted by Euphrates Post)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Al Hawi (الحاوي) area of the town of Al Shahil (الشحيل), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.104756, 40.456084. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

US Central Command forces conducted a partnered helicopter and ground assault raid in eastern Syria, Jan. 21, capturing two ISIS-Syria members, Abdallah Hamid Muslih al-Maddad AKA Abu Hamza al-Suri, an ISIS facilitator, and Husam Hamid al-Muslih al-Maddad, al-Khayr, ISIS facilitator and logistician, and one associate. One civilian received minor injuries.

"The injured civilian was escorted by our partner forces to a nearby medical care facility along with an accompanying family member," said Colonel Joe Buccino, a CENTCOM spokesperson. "He received care and was released back to his family."

"This operation reaffirms CENTCOM's steadfast commitment to the region and the enduring defeat of ISIS," said Buccino. "The capture will disrupt the terrorist organization's ability to further plot and carry out attacks that threaten regional security and stability."

"ISIS represents a threat to our partners and to the people of Iraq and Syria and beyond," he added. "Our mission to defeat ISIS alongside our Syrian Democratic Forces partners continues."

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    US-led Coalition
  • Known target
    ISIS

Sources (24) [ collapse]

Incident Code

PALIS033

Incident date

May 20, 2021

Location

عسقلان, Ashkelon, Israel

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

A rocket fired by Al Qassam directly hit a home in Ashkelon, injuring two civilians and causing damage to the building and surrounding area.

Al Qassam claimed responsibility for the attack in a Telegram post that stated at 12:59 “Al-Qassam Brigades bombard occupied Ashkelon with a missile launch” and added at 13:18 “The enemy admits that a [settler] was injured and a building was damaged after the last Qassam bombing of Ashkelon”.

The injured were reported by multiple sources as a 32 year old male victim who was hit on the head by shrapnel whilst inside the house struck by the missile, and a 26 year old male victim who was moderately injured by shards of glass. Both were reportedly taken to Barzilai Hospital for treatment.

The exact time of the incident was not reported, although an MDA tweet published at 3.21pm local time claimed that ‘following the alarms that were sounded in the last minutes in the Ashkelon sector’ the 26 year old injured civilian was taken to Barzilai Hospital.

The incident occured at approximately 4:21 pm local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • 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
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (25) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • Damage caused by strikes on Ashkelon on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by @mL5tf8Rs4role)
  • Damage caused by strikes on Ashkelon on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by @mL5tf8Rs4role)
  • Damage caused by strikes on Ashkelon on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by @mL5tf8Rs4role)
  • A picture of the house that was hit directly in Ashkelon on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by @Lamapal1948)
  • A picture of the house that was hit directly in Ashkelon on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by Saleh via Facebook)
  • A picture of the house that was hit directly in Ashkelon on May 20, 2021. (Image posted by Moaz7 via Facebook)

Geolocation notes

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

Palestinian Militants Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    Palestinian Militants
  • Palestinian Militants position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    2

Original strike reports

Palestinian Militants
Official source

12:59
Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades
Al-Qassam Brigades bombard occupied Ashkelon with a missile launch

13:18
The enemy admits that a [settler] was injured and a building was damaged after the last Qassam bombing of Ashkelon

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • 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
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (25) [ collapse]

Incident Code

PALIS030

Incident date

May 19, 2021

Location

سديروت, Sderot, Israel

Geolocation

31.522778, 34.595278 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Five rockets were fired by Al Qassam into the city of Sderot, injuring at least two civilians on May 19, 2021. Al Qassam confirmed that they had attacked the city of Sderot that day.

The rockets reportedly caused damage to several buildings and cars, according to multiple sources. It was reported that either two or three of the rockets directly hit buildings.

The two civilians were reported injured when one of the rockets hit their house whilst they were in the basement with their family. Those injured were a 65 year old man who sustained minor injuries and a 72 year old man who sustained a head injury. According to two sources the 65 year old was treated at the scene, whilst the 72 year old was taken to Barzilai Hospital. One source also reported that a number of civilians experienced anxiety in relation to the attack.

MDA paramedic Alex Kosinov said: “The wounded man was with his family in the basement of the house that was hit by the RCC. We were told that the force of the hit and the blow fell.”

Whilst the majority of sources reported the weaponry used as rockets, three sources claimed that a rocket propelled grenade was used. Multiple sources reported that the attack caused the electricity to cut out.

No sources reported the time of the incident, although the MDA reported that the injured were treated within the window of 12.00am and 9.55pm.

Al Qassam posted on their Telegram channel at 15:47 and 17:25 that the “Al-Qassam Brigades bombed the usurped “Sderot” with a missile launch” and later posted that “The enemy admits that there were injuries, direct damage to a building, and power outages after the recent Qassam bombing of the usurped “Sderot”.

The incident occured between 1:47 pm and 5:25 pm local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • 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
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • Site where a Palestinian rocket directly penetrated a building in Sderot on May 19 2021 (image via PalastineNow)
  • Damage to a building hit by a Palestinian rocket in Sderot on May 19 2021 (image via Shihab)
  • Car damaged by a Palestinian rocket that hit Sderot on May 19 2021 (image via Shihab)
  • Car damaged by a Palestinian rocket that hit Sderot on May 19 2021 (image via Shihab)
  • A man who appears to be from the Home Front Command shines a torch in front of a building hit by a Palestinian rocket in Sderot on May 19 2021 (image via Srugim)
  • Car damaged by a Palestinian rocket that hit Sderot on May 19 2021 (image via Aqsa)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Sderot (שדרות), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.522778, 34.595278 Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Palestinian Militants Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    Palestinian Militants
  • Palestinian Militants position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    2

Original strike reports

Palestinian Militants
Official source

19 May 2021
17:25
Al-Qassam Brigades bombed the usurped "Sderot" with a missile launch

15:47
Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades
Al-Qassam Brigades bombard the usurped "Sderot" with a missile launch

17:34
The enemy admits that there were injuries, direct damage to a building, and power outages after the recent Qassam bombing of the usurped "Sderot"

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • 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
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

PALIS028

Incident date

May 18, 2021

Location

جنوب اسرائيل, Ohad, Israel

Geolocation

31.237596, 34.431781 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two Thai nationals were killed, and as many as 20 people injured, when a rocket reportedly fired by the Al-Qassam Brigades struck an agricultural packaging plant in the town of Ohad, in southern Israel on May 18th, 2021, according to local reports.

The Al Qassam Brigade released a statement claiming responsibility for the strike in their Telegram channel: “The missile strike, which led to the death of 2 and the wounding of 20 others, was directed by the Al-Qassam Brigades towards the “Ohad” moshav within the Mtiftim complex in the Eshkol Regional Council, in which Q20 missiles were used.”

Two foreign workers, Weerawat Karunborirak, 44, and Sikharin Sangamram, 24, were on a break with colleagues when their residential compound was struck, said Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both were killed in the strike.

Police said the strike injured eight others, including one seriously and one moderately, according to the Time of Israel. The Magen David Adom ambulance service said the injured were transferred to Soroka Hospital by ambulance and helicopter. Images published by Ynet show that at least one woman was among the injured. On May 21st, 2021 the Bangkok Post reported that one man, Attarachai Thamkaew, 28, was still in hospital following the incident.

Weerawat Karunborirak arrived in Israel in 2018 with the intention of earning enough money to build a home for his family in Thailand, the construction of which ended before he had a chance to live in it, reported the Bangkok Post. Mr Karunborirak’s wife said her husband would call home twice a day, when he did not call on Tuesday she became worried and subsequently learned of his death through a friend. “I was shocked and I am still confused. I really don’t know what to do,” Ms Ruenrat told the Post.

Sikharin Sangamram, a husband and father of four, had recently arrived in the country; he had worked at the plant in Ohad for three days before he was killed, reported Haaretz.

A spokesperson for the Eshkol Regional Council said the workers had had access to a portable domed bomb shelter but had chosen not to use it, while Haaretz reported the shelters provided were too small to accommodate all of the workers on the site. Walla News quoted a Thai worker, interviewed by the BBC, who said that prior to the strike there had been no warning alarm.

The strike is believed to have taken place at noon.

The incident occured around midday.

  • Weerawat Karunborirak 44 years old male killed
  • Sikharin Sangamram 24 years old male killed
  • Attarachai Thamkaew 28 years old male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    20
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (49) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (11) [ collapse]

  • ashkubit.com Rescue Union spokesperson via [ashkubit.com]
  • Weerawat Karunborirak's widow is seen with a pictures of her late husband. Image courtesy of Ynet
  • People wounded in the rocket strike on Ohad arrive at Soroka Hospital (Photo: Herzl Yosef visa Ynet)
  • The scene of the strike (Photo: AP via Ynet)
  • Relatives of the two workers killed by a rocket in Moshav Ohad hold their pictures. From Thailand's state television Footage Photograph: Thai PBS World
  • The Q20 missile that was used in the Qassam missile strike on the Moshav "Ohad" within the Muftahim compound in the Eshkol Regional Council, which led to the killing of 2 and the wounding of 20 others. (Image posted by @amansouraja)
  • Damage to vehicles and fire caused by Qassam missile strike on the Moshav "Ohad" within the Muftahim compound in the Eshkol Regional Council. (Image posted by @Abu_Obeida0)
  • The moment the #Qassam Brigades were targeted with missiles, the settlement of Ohad, in the Mfathim complex
  • This led to the death of 2 and the wounding of 20.. The Qassam missile strike with Q20 rockets on Moshav “# Ohad” in the Miftaim complex in Eshkol, which is about 10 km from the fleeting wire
  • #See It led to the killing of 2 and wounding of 20.. The Qassam missile strike with Q20 missiles on the Moshav "Ohad" in the Mtifhim complex in Ashkol, which is about 10 km from the fleeting wire

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Ohad (אוהד), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.237596, 34.431781. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Palestinian Militants Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    Palestinian Militants
  • Palestinian Militants position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    2
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    20

Original strike reports

Palestinian Militants
Official source

13:32
The missile strike, which led to the death of 2 and the wounding of 20 others, was directed by the Al-Qassam Brigades towards the "Ohad" moshav within the Mtiftim complex in the Eshkol Regional Council, in which Q20 missiles were used.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    20
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (49) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT082

Incident date

May 16, 2021

Location

شارع الوحدة, Al Wahda Street, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.520335, 34.448134 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

As many as 49 civilians, including up to 18 children, were killed in the deadliest single event of the May 2021 Israeli – Palestinian conflict, which has become informally known as the ‘Wahda Street Massacre’. Dozens more were injured – as many as 50, according to Sana News – in a series of Israeli airstrikes that hit al-Wahda Street in the Rimal district of Gaza City in the early hours of 16th May 2021.

There are a significant number of reports, including media reporting and eyewitness accounts, of the strikes, which destroyed several residential apartment buildings on the street along with the Gaza Labour Ministry, and damaged the Gaza Ministry of Social Development and the offices of Medicins Sans Frontieres. A 5-storey apartment block belonging to the al-Awf family and containing 10 apartments was totally destroyed causing a large number of civilian casualties, according to the Al Mezan Center for Human Rights. Another apartment block, owned by the al-Kulak family, was also destroyed with a significant loss of life.

Civilian deaths in the strikes were extremely high, given the residential nature of the buildings and the timing of the strikes, with a number of sources (Al Mezan, the New York Times, Amnesty International) reporting them as taking place around 1a.m. Various sources report that as many as 23 members of the al-Kulak family were killed in the strike, including up to nine children; and up to 16 members of the al-Ouf family were killed, including as many as six children. B’Tselem reported that 22 members of the al-Kulak family were killed in two adjacent buildings.

Overall death figures from the strike have continued to climb since the event, with further deaths reported until 5 June, as one victim – Diana Ziad Abu al-Ouf al-Yaziji – succumbed to her wounds in hospital.

Fahad al-Haddad, an emergency medicine specialist at al-Shifa hospital in Gaza told the New Arab, a London-based media outlet, that most of the dead brought to the hospital showed no external signs of injuries, meaning they were killed by the rubble that collapsed on them while they were still alive.

The Norwegian Refugee Council has announced that 11 of the children killed in the Wahda Street strikes were engaged in a psycho-social trauma programme run by them, designed to assist children traumatised by conflict violence.

Given the high number of civilian casualties in the strike, there is an extremely significant amount of biographical evidence for those killed and injured available. Among the dead are Dr Ayman Abu al-Awf, who was head of internal medicine, including Covid-19 response, at Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest in the Gaza Strip. Also killed were Dr Moein al-Awl, widely considered Gaza’s top neurologist, and Rajaa al-Awf, a widely-known psychologist and social worker.

One man lost his wife and four children in the strikes. Mr Ishkontana told the New York Times that although it was late at night and even though the feast celebrating the end of Ramadan was over, Dana Ishkontana, 9, and Lana Ishkontana, 5, wanted to dress up in their new holiday outfits. Their uncle, Raed Ishkontana, snapped pictures on his phone while their two brothers, Yahya Ishkontana, 4, and Zain Ishkontana, 2, watched, Mr. Ishkontana recalled. Then he stepped out to get snacks for the family, chocolate candy bars and potato chips. The four children and their mother were killed in an Israeli airstrike. “I wish I never left,” he said. Several other families lost multiple children, including the al-Kolak sisters (Hala (13), Yara (9) and Rula (6)) and the al-Franji siblings (Dima (15), Yazan (13), Amir (9) and Mira (11)).

B’Tselem collected testimonies from four different witnesses about the attack. Azzam al-Kolak, 41, told B’Tselem, “in a single moment, in the blink of an eye, we lost 22 of our loved ones. We are all innocent. We recieved no warning before the strike.. We’re ordinary citizens and aren’y affiliated with any organisations.”

Riyad Ishkuntana, 42, a father of five who lost his wife and four of his children in the incident told B’Tselem, “I saw a strong red flash and then there was another intense tremor. I ran to the children’s room. My wife was already there, getting them out of the room. Suddenly, the building collapsed. It all fell down, the walls, the pillars, the concrete… A few minutes later, I heard Dana and Zein shouting, “Daddy, Daddy”,” I called out to them. I don’t know if they heard me. After a few moments, I couldn’t hear their voices anymore.”

In the testimony of Rami al-Ifrangi, 45, a father of four who lost his wife and children who were staying with his wife’s family that night on Al-Wahda Street, he said he “immeditately ran over to the Abu al-‘Oaf building, where my wife and four children were. I got there in less than a minute. I saw a shocking, unbearable sight. The building and the street were totally destroyed.”

In the fourth testimony, Buthaynah Ibrahim Na’im al-Qumo, 47, a mother of five who lost her husband in the incident told B’Tselem that they had to stay under the rubble for almost three hours.  She spoke of the long-term conditions her children are experiencing after they were both injured in the incident, Khaled’s “condition isn’t good – physically or mentally. He’s scared and stayed at my parents’ house where he feels safer around his uncles. He doesn’t want to turn off the light at night, and he’s also scared to go to the bathroom alone.”

The Israeli military has both admitted to carrying out the strikes and to causing civilian casualties. According to the Wall Street Journal, the Israeli army spokesperson’s office said the strike targeted Hamas’ “underground military infrastructure.” As a result of the strike, “the underground facility collapsed, causing the civilian houses’ foundations above them to collapse as well, leading to unintended casualties.”

The Associated Press reported that Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, an Israeli military spokesman, called the situation that led to the deaths “abnormal.” He said in one location the airstrikes caused a tunnel to collapse, bringing houses down with it, “and that caused a large amount of civilian casualties, which were not the aim.” Conricus also said that the military was analyzing what happened and “attempting to recalibrate” its ordnance to prevent a reoccurrence.

The New York Times reported that according to Colonel Conricus, on the morning of May 16th, several Israeli aircraft fired 11 missiles along a 200-yard stretch of Al Wahda Street, aiming to destroy a tunnel and command centre beneath it. ​​But while most of the adjacent buildings remained standing, the Al-Ouf family’s building collapsed in what the official described as “a freak event.” The military had not known the exact location of the command centre, nor how far it extended under nearby buildings, Colonel Conricus said. When the bombs exploded deep underground, they unexpectedly dislodged the building’s foundations, he added.

 

The incident occured at approximately 1:00 am local time.

  • Dr Moein Ahmed Al-Aloul 66 years old male killed in the al-Ahlamm building, about 500 meters away from the al-'Oaf building with Luay Ahmad 'Odeh below killed
  • Luay Muhammad Odeh 54 years old male killed
  • Hazem Adel Al-Qam’ 48 years old male A tenant in the building of the al'Oaf family killed
  • Mohammed Ahmed Musbah Ikki 39-40 years old male owner of a shop in the al-'Oaf building killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    44 – 49
  • (18 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    50–60
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (153) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (180) [ collapse]

  • Translated image caption: Without warning, the occupation bombed two homes on Al-Wahda Street in Gaza (image via @qudsn)
  • Image showing the destruction on al Wahda street from the May 16th, 2021 Israeli airstrikes (image via @qudsn)
  • Image showing the destruction on al Wahda street from the May 16th, 2021 Israeli airstrikes (image via @qudsn)
  • Translates image caption: This little boy's name is Ahmed Muhammad Al-Yazji, his mother died more than two years ago while she was giving birth to him as a result of a medical error. The little boy was raised by his aunt from the Abu Al-Awf family. His aunt is now in critical condition in Al-Shifa Hospital after the bombing of the Abu Al-Awf family’s house and the martyrdom of many of its members on Al-Wahda Street at dawn today, but he lived (via @S88Ashi)
  • Image shows Dima Rami Al-Franji who was killed in Israeli airstrikes on Al Wahda street on May 16th, 2021 (image via @_Ysharaf)
  • Image shows a survivor of the Al Wahda street airstrikes that killed up to 49 civilians on May 16th, 2021 (image via @YouthGoDigital)
  • Image of a survivor from the Al-Koluk family with the body of a relative. 23 members of the family died in the May 16th, 2021 airstrikes (image via @RamaHaddad_)
  • Image of the destruction from the Israeli airstrikes on Al Wahda street on May 16th, 2021 (image via IRNA)
  • Image of the destruction from the Israeli airstrikes on Al Wahda street on May 16th, 2021 (image via IRNA)
  • Image showing the site of the Al Wahda airstrikes which killed up to 49 civilians on May 16th, 2021 (image via IRNA)
  • Image of rescue workers carrying a child from the destruction caused by Israeli airstrikes on May 16th, 2021 (image via IRNA)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Image showing a child being removed from the rubble in Al Wahda street. Up to 49 civilians died in the airstrikes (image via IRNA)
  • One of the sites struck by Israeli airstrikes on May 16th, 2021 (image via Ismail.abualouf)
  • Image of Amir Rami Al-Franji who was killed on May 16th, 2021 alongside siblings, his mother and extended family members (image via @201011_man)
  • Image of Rajaa Subhi Abu Al-Awf who died in the May 16th, 2021 strikes alongside her four children and numerous other family members (image via @marilynPal48)
  • Image of Dima Rami Al-Franji, who died in the Al Wahda street incident on May 16th, 2021 (image via @marilynPal48)
  • Image of Rajaa Subhi Abu Al-Awf and her youngest son, Amir. They both died in Israeli airstrikes on Al Wahda street on May 16th, 2021 (image via @fidaazaanin)

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    Image shows the body of a child being carried from the rubble caused by Israeli airstrikes on Al Wahda street on May 16th, 2021 (image via Mohammad Sommad)

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    Image shows the body of a child being carried from the rubble caused by Israeli airstrikes on Al Wahda street on May 16th, 2021 (image via Mohammad Sommad)

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    Image shows the body of a child being carried from the rubble caused by Israeli airstrikes on Al Wahda street on May 16th, 2021 (image via Mohammad Sommad)
  • 1 of 3: Children allegedly injured in an Israeli forces' attack on May 16th 2021. (Image via @wassilaoulmi / Twitter)
  • 2 of 3: Children allegedly injured in an Israeli forces' attack on May 16th 2021. (Image via @wassilaoulmi / Twitter)

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    3 of 3: Children allegedly injured in an Israeli forces' attack on May 16th 2021. (Image via @wassilaoulmi / Twitter)
  • 1 of 8: Photos taken at Al Wahda Street after an alleged Israeli forces' airstrike which reportedly killed up to 49 people. (Image via IRNA News / May 16th 2021)
  • 2 of 8: Photos taken at Al Wahda Street after an alleged Israeli forces' airstrike which reportedly killed up to 49 people. (Image via IRNA News / May 16th 2021)
  • 3 of 8: Photos taken at Al Wahda Street after an alleged Israeli forces' airstrike which reportedly killed up to 49 people. (Image via IRNA News / May 16th 2021)
  • 4 of 8: Photos taken at Al Wahda Street after an alleged Israeli forces' airstrike which reportedly killed up to 49 people. (Image via IRNA News / May 16th 2021)
  • 5 of 8: Photos taken at Al Wahda Street after an alleged Israeli forces' airstrike which reportedly killed up to 49 people. (Image via IRNA News / May 16th 2021)
  • 6 of 8: Photos taken at Al Wahda Street after an alleged Israeli forces' airstrike which reportedly killed up to 49 people. (Image via IRNA News / May 16th 2021)
  • 7 of 8: Photos taken at Al Wahda Street after an alleged Israeli forces' airstrike which reportedly killed up to 49 people. (Image via IRNA News / May 16th 2021)
  • 8 of 8: Photos taken at Al Wahda Street after an alleged Israeli forces' airstrike which reportedly killed up to 49 people. (Image via IRNA News / May 16th 2021)
  • Two members of the Al-Awf family who were reportedly killed during on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. (Image via Ismail.abualouf / Facebook)
  • Three members of the Al-Awf family who were reportedly killed during on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. (Image via Ismail.abualouf / Facebook)
  • Two other members of the Al-Awf family who were reportedly killed during on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. (Image via Ismail.abualouf / Facebook)
  • Two members of the Al-Awf family who were reportedly killed during on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. (Image via Ismail.abualouf / Facebook)

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    1 of 3: @2021_Gaza reported of the casualties from the Israeli forces' airstrikes on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. (Image via Twitter).

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    2 of 3: @2021_Gaza reported of the casualties from the Israeli forces' airstrikes on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. (Image via Twitter).

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    3 of 3: @2021_Gaza reported of the casualties from the Israeli forces' airstrikes on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. (Image via Twitter).
  • Ala'a Alsorimi posted on Facebook the photo of some of the victims reportedly killed on May 16th 2021 on Al-Wahda Street. (Image via Facebook).
  • 1 of 2: @201011_man reported on Twitter of the deaths of children Yazan and Amir Rami Al-Afrangi, killed on Al-Wahda street by an alleged Israeli airstrike on 16th May 2021. (Image via Twitter).
  • 2 of 2: @201011_man reported on Twitter of the deaths of children Yazan and Amir Rami Al-Afrangi, killed on Al-Wahda street by an alleged Israeli airstrike on 16th May 2021. (Image via Twitter).
  • Second image of Dima Rami Al-Franji, who died in the Al Wahda street incident on May 16th, 2021 (image via @marilynPal48)
  • Yazan Rami Al Ifranji, killed by an alleged Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021 in Gaza. (Image via @fidaazaanin / Twitter).
  • Image of Rajaa Subhi who both died in Israeli airstrikes on Al Wahda street on May 16th, 2021 (image via @fidaazaanin)
  • Amir Rami Al-Franji, killed by an Israeli forces airstrike on 16th May 2021. (Image via @Pal_Shaheed / Twitter).
  • 1 of 15: Mohammad Sommad posted on Facebook photos gathered from the site and the victims of the Al-Wahda Street airstrike attack by Israeli forces' airstrikes. (May 16th 2021).
  • 2 of 15: Mohammad Sommad posted on Facebook photos gathered from the site and the victims of the Al-Wahda Street airstrike attack by Israeli forces' airstrikes. (May 16th 2021).

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    3 of 15: Mohammad Sommad posted on Facebook photos gathered from the site and the victims of the Al-Wahda Street airstrike attack by Israeli forces' airstrikes. (May 16th 2021).

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    4 of 15: Mohammad Sommad posted on Facebook photos gathered from the site and the victims of the Al-Wahda Street airstrike attack by Israeli forces' airstrikes. (May 16th 2021).
  • 5 of 15: Mohammad Sommad posted on Facebook photos gathered from the site and the victims of the Al-Wahda Street airstrike attack by Israeli forces' airstrikes. (May 16th 2021).
  • 6 of 15: Mohammad Sommad posted on Facebook photos gathered from the site and the victims of the Al-Wahda Street airstrike attack by Israeli forces' airstrikes. (May 16th 2021).

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  • 7 of 15: Mohammad Sommad posted on Facebook photos gathered from the site and the victims of the Al-Wahda Street airstrike attack by Israeli forces' airstrikes. (May 16th 2021).

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    8 of 15: Mohammad Sommad posted on Facebook photos gathered from the site and the victims of the Al-Wahda Street airstrike attack by Israeli forces' airstrikes. (May 16th 2021).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    9 of 15: Mohammad Sommad posted on Facebook photos gathered from the site and the victims of the Al-Wahda Street airstrike attack by Israeli forces' airstrikes. (May 16th 2021).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    10 of 15: Mohammad Sommad posted on Facebook photos gathered from the site and the victims of the Al-Wahda Street airstrike attack by Israeli forces' airstrikes. (May 16th 2021).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    11 of 15: Mohammad Sommad posted on Facebook photos gathered from the site and the victims of the Al-Wahda Street airstrike attack by Israeli forces' airstrikes. (May 16th 2021).

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    12 of 15: Mohammad Sommad posted on Facebook photos gathered from the site and the victims of the Al-Wahda Street airstrike attack by Israeli forces' airstrikes. (May 16th 2021).
  • 1 of 5: Ahmad Abu Sa'ad posted on Facebook: "A thousand mercy and light upon you, my friend, forgive you and your family. Martyrs of the Al-Wahda Street massacre" (May 16th 2021).
  • 2 of 5: Ahmad Abu Sa'ad posted on Facebook: "A thousand mercy and light upon you, my friend, forgive you and your family. Martyrs of the Al-Wahda Street massacre" (May 16th 2021).

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    3 of 5: Ahmad Abu Sa'ad posted on Facebook: "A thousand mercy and light upon you, my friend, forgive you and your family. Martyrs of the Al-Wahda Street massacre" (May 16th 2021).
  • 4 of 5: Ahmad Abu Sa'ad posted on Facebook: "A thousand mercy and light upon you, my friend, forgive you and your family. Martyrs of the Al-Wahda Street massacre" (May 16th 2021).
  • 5 of 5: Ahmad Abu Sa'ad posted on Facebook: "A thousand mercy and light upon you, my friend, forgive you and your family. Martyrs of the Al-Wahda Street massacre" (May 16th 2021).
  • 1 of 4: @paltimes2015 reported from the funerals of some of the victims of the Israeli forces airstrikes on Al-Wahda Street. (Image via Twiter on May 16th 2021).
  • 3 of 4: @paltimes2015 reported from the funerals of some of the victims of the Israeli forces airstrikes on Al-Wahda Street. (Image via Twiter on May 16th 2021).
  • 2 of 4: @paltimes2015 reported from the funerals of some of the victims of the Israeli forces airstrikes on Al-Wahda Street. (Image via Twiter on May 16th 2021).
  • 4 of 4: @paltimes2015 reported from the funerals of some of the victims of the Israeli forces airstrikes on Al-Wahda Street. (Image via Twiter on May 16th 2021).
  • 1 of 3: @fidaazaanin reported the deaths of various members of the Al-Ouf family on 16th May 2021 on Al-Wahda Street. (Image via Twitter).
  • 2 of 3: @fidaazaanin reported the deaths of various members of the Al-Ouf family on 16th May 2021 on Al-Wahda Street. (Image via Twitter)
  • 3 of 3: @fidaazaanin reported the deaths of various members of the Al-Ouf family on 16th May 2021 on Al-Wahda Street. (Image via Twitter).
  • Image of Suzy Riyad, injured in the Israeli airstrikes on Al-Wahda Street, on May 16th 2021. (@OMN_4 / Twitter).
  • "Photo of a Palestinian youth being pulled alive from under the rubble of his house" after Israeli airstrikes hit Al-Wahda Street on May 16th 2021. (Image via @rdooan / Twitter).
  • Wafa News reported from the destruction at Al-Wahda street on 16th May 2021 (Image via Wafa).
  • 1 of 3: Sisters, Shymaa and Rawan Abo Al-Ouf and Rawan Alaa Abo Al-Ouf, who were killed in an Israeli forces airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. (Image via @fidaazaanin / Twitter).
  • 2 of 3: Sisters, Shymaa and Rawan Abo Al-Ouf and Rawan Alaa Abo Al-Ouf, who were killed in an Israeli forces airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. (Image via @fidaazaanin / Twitter).
  • 3 of 3: Sisters, Shymaa and Rawan Abo Al-Ouf and Rawan Alaa Abo Al-Ouf, who were killed in an Israeli forces airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. (Image via @fidaazaanin / Twitter).
  • The destruction to Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021, after an Israeli forces airstrike. (Image via Roya News).
  • @fidaazaanin reported the victims of the Israeli forces attack on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. (Image via Twiter)
  • 1 of 4: @seedra29p showed photos of the destruction in the aftermath of the Israeli forces attack on Al-Wahda street on 16th May 2021. (Image via Twitter).
  • 2 of 4: @seedra29p showed photos of the destruction in the aftermath of the Israeli forces attack on Al-Wahda street on 16th May 2021. (Image via Twitter).
  • 3 of 4: @seedra29p showed photos of the destruction in the aftermath of the Israeli forces attack on Al-Wahda street on 16th May 2021. (Image via Twitter).
  • 4 of 4: @seedra29p showed photos of the destruction in the aftermath of the Israeli forces attack on Al-Wahda street on 16th May 2021. (Image via Twitter).
  • 1 of 6: Shihab Agency reported from the search operation for those who were still missing after the Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on May 16th 2021.

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    2 of 6: Shihab Agency reported from the search operation for those who were still missing after the Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on May 16th 2021.

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    3 of 6: Shihab Agency reported from the search operation for those who were still missing after the Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on May 16th 2021.

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    4 of 6: Shihab Agency reported from the search operation for those who were still missing after the Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on May 16th 2021.

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    5 of 6: Shihab Agency reported from the search operation for those who were still missing after the Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on May 16th 2021.
  • "Pictures of medical staff performing funeral prayers for their colleague, Dr. Ayman Abu Al-Auf, who was elevated due to the occupation's bombing of Gaza City", killed in the Israeli forces' strike on Al-Wahda Street on May 16th 2021.
  • Shahed Kindergarten reported on students who were victims of an Israeli forces' airstrike, killing up to 49 people on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021 (Image via Facebook).
  • 1 of 2: The funeral of Diana Ziyad Al-Yaziji and her two daughters, Shaima and Rawan Abu Al-Awf after the Israeli forces' airstrike which hit Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021 (Images via @Alawsavoice_Brk / Twitter).
  • 2 of 2: The funeral of Diana Ziyad Al-Yaziji and her two daughters, Shaima and Rawan Abu Al-Awf after the Israeli forces' airstrike which hit Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021 (Images via @Alawsavoice_Brk / Twitter).
  • 1 of 3: @Esraa1997622 showed the destruction after "Israel targeted 5 homes on Al-Wahda Street without warning" (Image via Twitter on 16th May 2021).
  • 2 of 3: @Esraa1997622 showed the destruction after "Israel targeted 5 homes on Al-Wahda Street without warning" (Image via Twitter on 16th May 2021).
  • 3 of 3: @Esraa1997622 showed the destruction after "Israel targeted 5 homes on Al-Wahda Street without warning" (Image via Twitter on 16th May 2021).
  • Image showing those killed from the Al-Qawlaq family in an Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021. (via Twitter)
  • Hala (10), Yara (8) and Rula (6), killed in an Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021 (Image via @husaaaaaaam / Twitter).
  • @husaaaaaaam reported members of the Al Kolak family who were killed by Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021 (Image via Twitter).
  • Members of the Al-Kolak father who were killed by Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021 (Image via @husaaaaaaam / Twitter).
  • Abd El Hameed Al Kolak, reportedly killed in an Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021 (Image via @husaaaaaaam / Twitter)
  • Sameh Al-Kolak, reportedly killed by an Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021 (Image via @husaaaaaaam / Twitter)
  • "We're not numbers, every martyr is a story." @rabeha_nabeel reported that Shaymaa Abu Al Ouf, 21, and a third year dental student, was killed by Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021 (Image via Twitter).
  • 1 of 7: Photos from @btselem of the destruction at Al-Wahda street, after an Israeli forces' airstrike killing up to 49 people. (Image via Twitter)
  • 2 of 7: Photos from @btselem of the destruction at Al-Wahda street, after an Israeli forces' airstrike killing up to 49 people. (Image via Twitter)
  • 3 of 7: Photos from @btselem of the destruction at Al-Wahda street, after an Israeli forces' airstrike killing up to 49 people. (Image via Twitter)
  • 4 of 7: Photos from @btselem of the destruction at Al-Wahda street, after an Israeli forces' airstrike killing up to 49 people. (Image via Twitter)
  • 5 of 7: Photos from @btselem of the destruction at Al-Wahda street, after an Israeli forces' airstrike killing up to 49 people. (Image via Twitter)
  • 6 of 7: Photos from @btselem of the destruction at Al-Wahda street, after an Israeli forces' airstrike killing up to 49 people. (Image via Twitter)
  • 7 of 7: Photos from @btselem of the destruction at Al-Wahda street, after an Israeli forces' airstrike killing up to 49 people. (Image via Twitter)
  • A colleague of Shimaa Abo Al-Ouf from the College of Dentistry, posted a photo of her, after she was killed by Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021 on Al-Wahda Street (Image via
  • 1 of 2: Destruction after an Israeli forces' airstrike hit Al-Wahda street on 16th May 2021, killing up to 49 people. (Image via @amaherYAH / Twitter)
  • 2 of 2: Destruction after an Israeli forces' airstrike hit Al-Wahda street on 16th May 2021, killing up to 49 people. (Image via @amaherYAH / Twitter)
  • Riyad Eshkuntana kisses Suzy Eshkuntana are they are treated at the hospital, after being injured in an Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda street on 16th May 2021 (Image via Reuters)
  • Suzy Eshkuntana lies in bed in hospital after being injured in an Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda street on 16th May 2021 (Image via Reuters)
  • Rescuers search for people in the rubble after the Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021 (Image via Reuters)
  • Destruction on Al-Wahda street after an Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021 (Image via Reuters)
  • Rescuers help Riyad Eshkuntana after they pulled him from the rubble of a building on Al-Wahda street on 16th May 2021 (Image via Reuters)
  • Palestinians performed funeral prayers for a person killed during an Israeli raid on Gaza City on 16th May 2021 (Image via Fatima Shbair / Getty Images)
  • Destruction on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021 (Image via Ashraf Amra / Zuma Press)
  • Palestinian rescue crews search for victims of Israeli airstrikes on May 16th 2021 (Image via DCIP / Mohammad Abu Rukbeh)
  • Dyaa Abo Oun posted a message on Facebook about their colleague, Raja Abu Al Auf, killed on 16th May 2021 in Al-Wahda Street after an Israeli forces' airstrike (Image via @Betelguese100 / Twitter)
  • Medical staff at Shifa hospital in Gaza pray for their colleague, Dr Ayman Abu Elouf, Head of Internal Medicine, who was killed by an Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021 (Image via @Betelgeuse100 / Twitter)
  • A ball of fire erupts from a building in Gaza City's Rimal residential district on May 16, 2021, during massive Israeli bombardment on the Hamas-controlled enclave. (Photo by Bashar TALEB / AFP)
  • Rajaa Abu Al-Ouf, a psychologist and a social worker who was killed with her four children after Israeli forces' airstrikes on 16th May 2021 on Al-Wahda Street (Image via @_Dimii / Twitter)
  • Shaymaa Abu Al Ouf, a third year dental student, who was killed on 16th May 2021 on Al-Wahda street (Image via @AyaAlGhazzawi / Twitter)
  • Yara Mohammad Al-Kawlak, 9, was killed in an Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda street on 16th May 2021. She was one of the 11 children helped by NRC killed in their homes that day (Image via NRC_MiddleEast / Twitter)
  • Dr Ayman Abu Al-Ouf, who was killed in the Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda street on 16th May 2021, smiling with his colleagues (Image via CBC)
  • Suzy Ishkontana, 7, and her father, Riad Ishkontana, 42, at Shifa Hospital in Gaza after being injured in the Al-Wahda street on 16th May 2021 (AP Photo / Abdel Kareem Hana)
  • Suzy Ishkontana, 7, was rescued from undder the rubble of a destroyed house on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021 (Image via AP Photo / Khalil Hamra)
  • Suzy Ishkontana, 7, at Shifa Hospital in Gaza after being injured in an Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021 (Image via AP)
  • Riad Eshkuntana and Suzy Eshkuntana in hospital after being injured in an Israeli forces' attack on 16th May 2021 (Image via MEE / Mohammed al-Hajjar)
  • Middle East Eye reported a rescuer pulling child out alive from the rubble after an Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021.
  • 'What I have lost is nothing compared to what my people are losing,' Riad Eshkuntana told Middle East Eye (MEE/Mohammed al-Hajjar)
  • Mahmoud Al-Qawlaq, 22, stands in front of the rubble of his house in Al-Wahda Street after it was destroyed on 16th May 2021 in an Israeli forces' airstrike (Image via Mohammed Al-Hajjar/ Mondoweiss)
  • Mai Rajab, 22, sits in the living room of her family home on Al-Wahda Street. She said her family is one of the only families that survived the intense bombardment of the neighbourhood by Israeli forces on May 16th 2021 (Image via Mohammed Al-Hajjar / Mondoweiss)
  • 1 of 4: ITV news reported the victims from the Israeli forces' airstrikes on 16th May 2021, including those on Al-Wahda Street.
  • 2 of 4: ITV news reported the victims from the Israeli forces' airstrikes on 16th May 2021, including those on Al-Wahda Street.
  • 3 of 4: ITV news reported the victims from the Israeli forces' airstrikes on 16th May 2021, including those on Al-Wahda Street.
  • 4 of 4: ITV news reported the victims from the Israeli forces' airstrikes on 16th May 2021, including those on Al-Wahda Street.
  • "For twelve hours, Omar Abu al-Ouf, 17, clung to the body of his dead sister as they lay pinned under a patchwork of concrete floors, ceilings and walls that had collapsed on top of them." (Image via Bel Trew)
  • 1 of 4: Four Palestinian siblings, Dana Reyad Ishkuntna, 9, Lana Reyad Ishkuntna 6, Yehya ReyadIshkuntna 5 Zayen Reyad Ishkuntna, 2, killed in an Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. Their mother, Zayen, was also killed and their brother Omar was injured (Image via @Betelgeuse100 / Twitter).
  • 2 of 4: Four Palestinian siblings, Dana Reyad Ishkuntna, 9, Lana Reyad Ishkuntna 6, Yehya ReyadIshkuntna 5 Zayen Reyad Ishkuntna, 2, killed in an Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. Their mother, Zayen, was also killed and their brother Omar was injured (Image via @Betelgeuse100 / Twitter).
  • 3 of 4: Four Palestinian siblings, Dana Reyad Ishkuntna, 9, Lana Reyad Ishkuntna 6, Yehya ReyadIshkuntna 5 Zayen Reyad Ishkuntna, 2, killed in an Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. Their mother, Zayen, was also killed and their brother Omar was injured (Image via @Betelgeuse100 / Twitter).
  • 4 of 4: Four Palestinian siblings, Dana Reyad Ishkuntna, 9, Lana Reyad Ishkuntna 6, Yehya ReyadIshkuntna 5 Zayen Reyad Ishkuntna, 2, killed in an Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021. Their mother, Zayen, was also killed and their brother Omar was injured (Image via @Betelgeuse100 / Twitter).
  • The aftermath of an Israeli forces' airstrike in Gaza on 16th May 2021 (Image via Bel Trew)
  • Riad Ishkuntina, 42, who lived a floor above Dr Abu Al-Ouf, lost his wife and four of his children in the strike (Image via Bel Trew)
  • 1 of 4: Destruction in Al-Wahda Street after the Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021 (Image via Deutsche Welle)
  • 2 of 4: Destruction in Al-Wahda Street after the Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021 (Image via Deutsche Welle)
  • 3 of 4: Destruction in Al-Wahda Street after the Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021 (Image via Deutsche Welle)
  • 4 of 4: Destruction in Al-Wahda Street after the Israeli forces' airstrike on 16th May 2021 (Image via Deutsche Welle)
  • Raed Ishkontana, who survived an airstrike, mourning the loss of his wife and four children. (Image via Hosam Salem for The New York Times)
  • Children in the Al-Qawlaq family who were killed in the Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021 (Image via New York Times)
  • Children in the Al-Ifranji family who were killed in the Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021 (Image via New York Times)
  • Children in the Ishkontana family who were killed in the Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021 (Image via New York Times)
  • Children in the Elouf family who were killed in the Israeli forces' airstrike on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021 (Image via New York Times)
  • Mohammad lost 22 members of his family when an explosion damaged his apartment building in Gaza. (ABC News: Tom Joyner )
  • Three buildings were destroyed and more than 40 killed on Al Wahda Street. (ABC News: Tom Joyner)
  • The IDF said it was trying to target a Hamas underground facility in the air strike that damaged the residential building. (ABC News: Tom Joyner)
  • Gaza school commemorates students killed by Israeli forces' strikes (Image via Middle East Eye)
  • A psychologist plays with Palestinian girl Suzy Eshkuntana, who was pulled out from the rubble of her house, destroyed by an Israeli air strike during Israeli-Palestinian fighting, as part of a mental health support session in Gaza City, June 3, 2021. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem
  • Shoukri Kollaq, who lost three children and his wife in the bombing, recovers in hospital (Image via Bel Trew)
  • Rescue workers pull surivors from the rubble of the Abu al-Auf building on Al-Wahda Street on 16th May 2021 (Anadolu Agency via Getty)
  • Survivors said they had no knowledge of Hamas facilities nearby. “We have nothing to do with Hamas,” said Shifa Abdel Aal, 71, now the eldest member of the Abul Ouf family. (Image via Samar Abu Elouf for The New York Times)
  • Riad Ishkontana survived the attack, but his wife and four of his five children did not. (Image via Hosam Salem for The New York Times)
  • "People gathered to mourn 22 members of the al-Qawlaq family, who were killed in another nearby residential building on the same night". Image and caption via the New York Times (Hosam Salem).
  • "Doctors festooned the rubble of the building with banners and a picture of Dr. Abul Ouf, one of Gaza’s most prominent physicians." Image and caption via the New York Times (Samar Abu Elouf ).
  • "“It’s a well-known address,” said Muhammad el-Shanty, 29, who runs a bakery opposite. “When you call a taxi, you might say, ‘Pick me up by the Abul Ouf Building.’” - The view of the Abul Ouf building from a bakery across the street." Image and caption via the New York Times (Samar Abu Elouf ).
  • The last surviving member of Dr. Ouf's family; his son Omar (16). Image via the New York Times (Samar Abu Elouf )
  • "Anas al-Yazji climbed on the rubble, searching for Shaimaa Abul Ouf, his fiancée." Image and caption via the New York Times (Hosam Salem).
  • "Israeli aircraft fired missiles along a 200-yard stretch of Al Wahda Street, aiming to destroy a tunnel beneath it" Image and caption via the New York Times (Hosam Salem).
  • "Riyad Ishkintna and his only surviving child Suzie" - posted online by the Elecctronic Intifada; the strike killed almost every member of his family: "His wife, 29-year-old Abir Ishkintna and their children Dana, 9, Lana, 5, Yahya, 4 and 2-year-old Zein"
  • "The al-Ifranji children killed in the 16 May massacre. From left to right, Dima, 15, Yazan, 13, Mira, 11 and 9-year-old Ameer" - posted by Electronic Intifada.
  • The children killed in reported Irsaeli strikes on Al Wahda street; published by the Irish Times.
  • "Aziz Al-Kolak is 10 years old. He and his family — civilians — were victims in an Israeli bombing on May 16 that left him stuck in rubble for six hours. He survived, but 23 members of his family — including both his parents and both his younger siblings — did not." - Image and caption via Zakat.org

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a residential building being struck in Al Wehda (الوحدة ) street. Analyzing audio-visual material from sources we have narrowed down this location to these exact coordinates: 31.520335, 34.448134.

  • Imagery:
    Planet

  • Tagged visual material from sources.

    Imagery:
    Ismail Abualouf

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    44 – 49
  • (18 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    50–60
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (153) [ collapse]

Incident Code

PALIS024

Incident date

May 15, 2021

Location

رمات غان, Ramat Gan, Israel

Geolocation

32.081325, 34.818636 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A 55-year-old man was killed, and six others wounded when a rocket fired from Gaza struck the Ramat Gan neighbourhood of Tel Aviv in the early afternoon on May 15th, 2021, according to local and international media reports. Al Qassam claimed responsibility for the attack.

The man was named as Gershon Franco by Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which added that he was laid to rest at the Yarn cemetery in Petah Tikva.  On May 28th, 2021 Haaretz reported that Mr Franco had died as a result of wounds to his upper body and neck.

Magen David Adom paramedic, Lior Mermelstein, told Walla News: “When we arrived at the scene, we saw destruction and damage to buildings on the street. We went from door to door with large MDA forces and conducted searches in the apartments, in one of which we located a 50-year-old man unconscious. We performed medical tests to give him medical treatment, but after the resuscitation operations he was pronounced dead.” @Mdais also added that the six people who were injured had “light” injuries.

An article by the Dhi Qar Agency describes four holes in the door of Gershon apartment from the shrapnel that resulted in his death. Channel 12 news reported that the man did not have a protected area in his home and was unable to reach a bomb shelter in time.

Haaretz provided information about the victim, Gershon, that he was sick with cancer and was deemed 100% disabled. At one point, his federal allowance was not enough and he was homeless until his friends found him the apartment he was killed in, referred to as a “shack”, which was previously used for storing tools.

Naftali Cohen, Franco’s friend, told Haaretz, “He lived in it only because he didn’t want to sleep on the street. At least he had a shower and a bed – the rest we were able to arrange. He didn’t interest the welfare authorities. He appealed to them a million times. I told him we would go to the Housing Ministry and he said, ‘Naftali, help me. I have no strength to fight.’ No one listened to him.”

The mayor of Ramat Gan, Carmel Shama HaCohen, told Ynet that “if that resident had followed the Home Front Command’s instructions, even though he did not have a security guard in his housing unit, he would have survived.” However, his sister refuted this claim, saying that “He was 100% disabled with many medical problems, including severe leg pain, and they may have prevented him from running to the shelter during the alarm yesterday. No one cared what he was dealing with.”

According to the Jewish News Syndicate “a rocket landed in the middle of an adjacent street, causing serious damage to surrounding storefronts and dozens of apartments. The blast also caused a car parked on the street to go up in flames”. @Istanbultelaviv added that the rocket attack led 48 families to evacuate to hotels.

Al Qassam claimed responsibility for the rocket attack, posting in their Telegram channel at 11:29 that “Al-Qassam Brigades is now launching a missile strike on Tel Aviv with dozens of missiles in response to the Shati refugee camp massacre against women, children and the safe” and by 12:17 posted that “the enemy admits the killing of an occupier, the wounding of others, and the infliction of great damage in the recent Qassam bombing of Tel Aviv”.

The incident occured around midday.

  • Gershon Franco 55 years old male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    6
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (44) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (37) [ collapse]

  • Translated caption reads: This is what the rockets did, and the attack in Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv today (via @ShehabAgency)
  • Image shows damage caused by a rocket attack on May 15th, 2021. A man died in the incident (image via @ShehabAgency)
  • A man was killed in the Ramat Gan neighbourhood of Tel Aviv after a rocket struck the area. Image shows some of the damage (image via @ShehabAgency)
  • Image shared in relation to the May 15th, 2021 rocket attack in a Tel Aviv neighbourhood (image via @MohamdNashwan)
  • Rocket attack caused damage in a Tel Aviv neighbourhood. A 55-year-old man identified as Gershon Franco was killed and six others injured (image via @MohamdNashwan)
  • Fires can be seen in the image which was shared in relation to a rocket attack in an Israeli neighbourhood on May 15th, 2021. The neighbourhood sustained damage as a result, a civilian man was killed and up to six civilians injured (image via @qudsn)
  • Translated caption reads: #Photo of the great damage to an apartment in Ramat Gan due to the rockets and missiles fired from Gaza (image via @PalinfoAr)
  • Image appears to show a body covered in material. Shared in relation to the rocket attack in Ramot Gan on May 15th, 2021 that killed Gershon Franco (image via Walid Mohammed Al Hasan)
  • Image caption reads: Got up to my apartment roof where Israeli media are shooting live scenes of the devastation from the Gaza rocket that slammed into the middle of the street in Ramat Gan, killing a 50-year-old man (image via @JoshMarks78)
  • Image caption reads: You can see the strength of the rocket that hit Ramat Gan killing a 55-year old man. 48 families were evacuated to hotels. The rocket hit in middle of the road (via @Istanbultelaviv)
  • A rocket fired from Gaza struck the Ramat Gan neighbourhood of Tel Aviv in the early afternoon on May 15th, 2021. Image shows some of the damage (image via @Stone_SkyNews)
  • Image from the Ramat Gan neighbourhood where a rocket struck killing a civilian and injuring six others (image via @Stone_SkyNews)
  • Image showing the funeral of Gershon Franco who was killed in a May 15th, 2021 rocket attack in Ramot Gan. Caption reads: Four holes in the wooden door to his flat mark where shrapnel from a Hamas rocket hit Gershon Franco’s home & killed him (image via @patrickkingsley)
  • Image shows damage caused by a rocket attack on May 15th, 2021. A man died in the incident (image via @ShehabAgency)
  • Rockets launched from Gaza struck buildings around Ramat Gan in Tel Aviv on May 15, 2021. (Image posted by @MohamdNashwan)
  • Rescue crews work to put out fires caused by strikes on Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv on May 15, 2021. (Image posted by @qudsn)
  • Rescue crews at the scene of strikes on Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv on May 15, 2021. (Image posted by @AlarabyTV)
  • Rescue crews at the scene of strikes on Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv on May 15, 2021. (Image posted by @AlarabyTV)
  • Rescue crews at the scene of strikes on Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv on May 15, 2021. (Image posted by @AlarabyTV)
  • Image appears to show a funeral. Shared in relation to the rocket attack in Ramot Gan on May 15th, 2021 that killed Gershon Franco (image via Walid Mohammed Al Hasan)
  • Rescue crews at the scene of strikes on Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv on May 15, 2021. (Image posted by Dhi Qar Agency)
  • MDA medics are responding to rocket which fell in central Israel Ramat Gan which struck a residential area. (Image posted by @Mdais)
  • MDA medics are responding to rocket which fell in central Israel Ramat Gan which struck a residential area. (Image posted by @Mdais)
  • MDA medics are responding to rocket which fell in central Israel Ramat Gan which struck a residential area. (Image posted by @Mdais)
  • Cleaning up damage from rocket that fell on Ramat Gan just outside Tel Aviv on May 15, 2021. (Image posted by @Stone_SkyNews)
  • Cleaning up damage from rocket that fell on Ramat Gan just outside Tel Aviv on May 15, 2021. (Image posted by Walla News)
  • Gershon Franco, in his 50s, was killed in Hamas rocket attacks on Ramat Gan on May 15, 2021. (Image posted by Ynet)
  • The "shack" that Gershon Franco lived in when he was killed by shrapnel from a rocket on May 15, 2021. (Image posted by Haaretz)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a residential building being struck in the Ramat Gan (רמת גן) neighbourhood of Tel Aviv (תל אביב). Analyzing visual material from sources, we have narrowed down the location to these exact coordinates: 32.081325, 34.818636.

  • Reports of the incident mention a residential building being struck in the Ramat Gan (רמת גן) neighbourhood of Tel Aviv (תל אביב).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • Image from Google Street view matches those from sources.

Palestinian Militants Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    Palestinian Militants
  • Palestinian Militants position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    6

Original strike reports

Palestinian Militants
Official source

11:29
Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades
Al-Qassam Brigades is now launching a missile strike on Tel Aviv with dozens of missiles in response to the Shati refugee camp massacre against women, children and the safe.

11:58
The effects of the Qassam bombing on the Ramat Gan area in Tel Aviv

12:12
Al-Qassam Brigades renews its shelling of Tel Aviv with a missile launch

12:17
The enemy admits the killing of a rapist, the wounding of others, and the infliction of great damage in the recent Qassam bombing of Tel Aviv

Media
from belligerent (2) [ collapse]

  • "The effects of the Qassam bombing on the Ramat Gan area in Tel Aviv" (Image posted by Al Qassam on Telegram)
  • "The effects of the Qassam bombing on the Ramat Gan area in Tel Aviv" (Image posted by Al Qassam on Telegram)

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    6
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (44) [ collapse]

Incident Code

PALIS009

Incident date

May 11, 2021

Location

شارع رامبام ، كوخاف حتصفون ، عسقلان , Rambam St., Kochav Hatzafon, Ashkelon, Israel

Airwars assessment

Up to eight civilians, including two children, were reported injured when a rocket struck a residential apartment building on Rambam Street in the city of Ashkelon, southern Israel at 6am on May 11th, 2021.

Sources differ regarding the number of civilians injured in the attack and the severity of their injuries. Amongst the injured were a family of four.

A 40-year-old man was described as having sustained injuries ranging from moderate to severe. The sources Mariv and Kan Darom said this was the result of a head wound, while Magen David Adom said he sustained cuts to his limbs from broken glass.

A woman, 39, named Marina, was described as having sustained light to moderate injuries. Two children aged 12 and 6, were described as having been lightly injured. A 63-year-old man was described as in a light to moderate condition and an 82-year-old was described as having sustained light injuries. Paramedic Israel Lugsi told the source Kan Darom that “this is a direct hit on a residential building. When we arrived at the scene we conducted searches in the apartments and located a number of wounded who were hit by shattered glass fragments, 2 men were moderately injured and 4 lightly. We took them to ambulances and vehicles to the intensive care unit, provided them with medical treatment that included dressing and stopping bleeding and evacuated them to the hospital when their condition was stable. Two victims of anxiety who suffered from breathing difficulties were also treated and evacuated to the hospital.”

Marina, a resident of Ashkelon whose husband and children were injured, described the attack to WallaNews: “The ceiling collapsed, I saw my husband crawling and all blood. It was six in the morning, there was an alarm and we put the children on mattresses in the hallway. I left the bedroom and my husband did not have enough, there were many explosions.” The strikes also caused the plaster ceiling to fall, injuring the children.

All the patients were transferred to Barzilai Hospital for treatment.

The mayor of Ashkelon, Tomer Glam, arrived at the scene of the fall and talked to the residents, according to Kan Darom. “A difficult morning in Ashkelon due to a heavy barrage of rockets towards the city that cause direct damage to two buildings in the city and to casualties of varying degrees of difficulty,” said Glam. “The security reality in which we live and how important it is to obey the Home Front Command’s guidelines that have been proven to save lives.”

France24 quoted residents as saying “The sirens woke us up around five in the morning (0200 GMT),” said Israeli Shelly Belyaev, whose apartment building was severely damaged and its facade turned black. “We had to hide in the wardrobe because there was no shelter in the house,” she says. Belyaev recalls how “there was a very powerful explosion, I had never heard such a sound before, but I quickly realized that a missile had landed here. I went out and was in shock,” she continued.

Al Qassam posted in their Telegram group “Al-Qassam Brigades is now directing a major missile strike on the occupied city of Ashkelon, in response to targeting the safe house on the heads of its residents west of Gaza City, and if the enemy repeats targeting civilian safe houses, we will make Ashkelon a hell. The enemy admits that 7 of its [settlers] were wounded, and electricity was cut off in large areas as a result of the intensive Qassam bombardment of Ashkelon.”

Images from the scene show extensive damage to at least one apartment as well as other apartments in the building and a vehicle.

The incident occured at approximately 6:00 am local time.

  • Marina 39 years old female injured
  • Name unknown 40 years old male injured
  • Name unknown 64 years old male injured
  • Name unknown 12 years old injured
  • Name unknown 6 years old injured
  • Name unknown 82 years old injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    6–8
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (19) [ collapse]

  • Image caption: Update on the missile hit Ashkelon area: MDA medics and paramedics provide medical treatment and evacuate 6 injured to Barzilai Hospital, including 2 in moderate condition, a 40-year-old man and a 63-year-old man with shattered glass to their limbs and 4 in mild condition (via @Mdais)
  • Image reportedly showing the inside of an apartment damaged in a rocket attack in the Israeli city of Ashkelon on May 11th, 2021 (image via @AviMayer)
  • Image caption: As non-stop barrages of rockets continue to be fired toward southern Israel, an apartment building in Ashkelon was hit. 6 civilians were injured (image via @IDF)
  • Image showing damage to a vehicle shared in relation to the May 11th, 2021 rocket attack on an apartment in Askelon (image via kan-ashkelon)
  • Image showing damage to an apartment shared in relation to the May 11th, 2021 rocket attack on an apartment in Askelon (image via kan-ashkelon)
  • The scene of the incident in Ashkelon on May 11, 2021. Photo: MDA Spokeswoman
  • The second house was damaged in Ashkelon on May 11, 2021. Photo: Ashkelon Municipality Spokeswoman
  • Damage to a home in Ashkelon from Hamas rockets on May 11, 2021. (Image posted in Al Qassam Telegram)
  • Damage to a home in Ashkelon from Hamas rockets on May 11, 2021. (Image posted in Al Qassam Telegram)
  • Damage to a home in Ashkelon from Hamas rockets on May 11, 2021. (Image posted in Al Qassam Telegram)
  • Damage to a home in Ashkelon from Hamas rockets on May 11, 2021. (Image posted in Al Qassam Telegram)
  • Damage to a home in Ashkelon from Hamas rockets on May 11, 2021. (Image posted in Al Qassam Telegram)
  • Damage to a home in Ashkelon from Hamas rockets on May 11, 2021. (Image posted in Al Qassam Telegram)
  • Damage to a home in Ashkelon from Hamas rockets on May 11, 2021. (Image posted in Al Qassam Telegram)
  • Damage to a home in Ashkelon from Hamas rockets on May 11, 2021. (Image posted in Al Qassam Telegram)
  • Rescue crews work to put out a car on fire following strikes on Ashkelon on May 11, 2021. (Image taken by Reuters)

Geolocation notes (4) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention an apartment building on Rambam Street (רח’ רמב”ם) in Ashkelon (אשקלון) being struck. Analyzing audio-visual material from sources we have narrowed down the location to these exact coordinates: 31.672725, 34.586305.

  • Reports of the incident mention an apartment building on Rambam Street (شارع رامبام) in Ashkelon (عسقلان) being struck.

    Imagery:
    Google Maps

  • Distribution of tags in available Google Street View imagery.

    Imagery:
    Google Street View

  • Tagged visual material from sources.

    Date taken:
    May 11, 2021

    Imagery:
    Yossi Fartouk

  • Tagged visual material from sources.

    Date taken:
    May 11, 2021

    Imagery:
    Yossi Fartouk

Palestinian Militants Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    Palestinian Militants
  • Palestinian Militants position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    6–8

Original strike reports

Palestinian Militants
Official source

03:38
Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades
Al-Qassam Brigades is now directing a major missile strike on the occupied city of Ashkelon, in response to targeting the safe house on the heads of its residents west of Gaza City, and if the enemy repeats targeting civilian safe houses, we will make Ashkelon a hell

04:02
Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades
#Urgently
Sirens sound in the city of Ashkelon without stopping... and rocket fire continues from the Gaza Strip

04:37
Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades
The enemy admits that 7 of its [settlers] were wounded, and electricity was cut off in large areas as a result of the intensive Qassam bombardment of Ashkelon.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    6–8
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

PALIS011

Incident date

May 11, 2021

Location

عسقلان, Ashkelon, Israel, Israel

Geolocation

31.667186, 34.557510 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two women were killed when a Hamas militant rocket struck an apartment building on Sderot David Ben Gurion street in the city of Ashkelon, southern Israel on May 11th, 2021, according to several sources.

The Times of Israel said, “the deadly rocket attack directly struck a home where an elderly woman and her caregiver, 32-year-old Soumya Santosh, lived. Santosh was killed while her elderly charge, 80, was hospitalized in serious condition, according to Hebrew media reports”.

On February 6, 2022, the elderly woman injured in the attack, Naomi Perlman, a 91-year-old Holocaust survivor who was seriously wounded at her Ashkelon home by shrapnel, died from her injuries.

According to several sources Santosh from Kerala had been living in Israel for seven years. She was survived by a husband and nine-year-old son.

Mrs Santosh’s brother-in-law told The Week India, “she was talking to her husband Santosh over a video call in the evening when the incident took place. My brother heard a huge sound during the video call. Suddenly the phone got disconnected. Then we immediately contacted fellow Malayalees working there. Thus, we came to know about the incident.”

The Washington Post reported that Naomi Pearlman was a “a Holocaust survivor originally from Poland” and that the blast had caused both of her legs to be amputated. Her son, Shuki, was quoted as saying “She survived the Holocaust, raised a wonderful family. If there was anyone who deserved to be called the ultimate survivor, it was her.”

Jerusalem Post added that Pearlman was being treated at Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon for the injuries she sustained in May 2021 and that she is survived by her son, her daughter, Tzipi, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, including one who was born last month. At the time of the shelling, her home did not have a shelter and the closest was a minute’s run away.

The incident was part of a series of rocket strikes on the morning of May 11th.
Channel 12 reported that the rocket shelter was at least a minute’s run away from the woman’s home and the did not manage to reach it in time.

Al-Qassam Brigades confirmed they carried out the strikes that resulted in casualties, posting in their Telegram channel that “A while ago, Al-Qassam Brigades bombarded occupied Ashkelon with a salvo of S40 missiles” and a bit later “The occupation officially acknowledges the killing of 2 of its [settlers] as a result of the recent Qassam bombing of Ashkelon.”

The incident is believed to have occurred between 05:00 and 13:40 local time.

The incident occured at approximately 6:00 am local time.

  • Soumya Santosh 32 years old female killed
  • Naomi Perlman 91 years old female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 women)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (41) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (12) [ collapse]

  • This image reportedly shows Sumaya Santosh who died in a strike in Askelon, Israel, on May 11th, 2021 (image via @alqudsnewspaper)
  • Image reportedly showing the son of Soumya Santosh holding a pin of the Israeli and Indian flags at her funeral (image via Asaf Pozailov)
  • Image caption: The damage to the building where the woman who was killed in Ashkelon lived, today the photo (via Ofer Vaknin)
  • Rescue crews helping a victim of the strikes on Ashkelon on May 11, 2021. (Image posted by Arabic RT)
  • Rescue crews at a home affected by airstrikes on May 11, 2021. (Image posted by Shihab Post)
  • Damage to a home affected by airstrikes in Ashkelon on May 11, 2021. (Image posted by @PalinfoAr)
  • Damage to a home affected by airstrikes in Ashkelon on May 11, 2021. (Image posted by @PalinfoAr)
  • Damage to a home affected by airstrikes in Ashkelon on May 11, 2021. (Image posted by @PalinfoAr)
  • A heavily damaged house is pictured at a targeted residential neighbourhood in the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon on May 11, 2021, as rockets are fired by the Hamas movement from the Gaza Strip towards Israel. - Rockets fired from Gaza killed two women in the southern Israeli city of Asheklon, the Magen David Adom emergency service told AFP, after Palestinians militants unleashed a massive barrage. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)
  • Israeli security forces at the scene where a rocket fired from the Gaza Strip hit a house in the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon, on May 11, 2021. Photo by Tomer Neuberg/Flash90
  • A heavily damaged house is pictured at a targeted residential neighbourhood in the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon on May 11, 2021, as rockets are fired by the Hamas movement from the Gaza Strip towards Israel. - Rockets fired from Gaza killed two women in the southern Israeli city of Asheklon, the Magen David Adom emergency service told AFP, after Palestinians militants unleashed a massive barrage. (Photo by JACK GUEZ / AFP)

Geolocation notes (3) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention an apartment building being struck in Ashkelon (אַשְׁקְלוֹן). Analyzing audio-visual material from sources, we have narrowed down the location of the strike to these exact coordinates: 31.667186, 34.557510.

  • Reports of the incident mention an apartment building being struck in Ashkelon (אַשְׁקְלוֹן).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • Tagged visual material from sources.

    Imagery:
    Ynet

  • Distribution of tags in available Google Street View imagery.

    Imagery:
    Google Maps

Palestinian Militants Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    Palestinian Militants
  • Palestinian Militants position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    1
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    1

Original strike reports

Palestinian Militants
Official source

12:46
A while ago, Al-Qassam Brigades bombarded occupied Ashkelon with a salvo of S40 missiles

12:58
The enemy admits that a building in Ashkelon was hit and several injuries occurred, including serious cases, as a result of the recent Qassamese bombing with Sejil missiles

13:14
Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades
The occupation officially acknowledges the killing of 2 of its [settlers] as a result of the recent Qassam bombing of Ashkelon

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 women)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (41) [ collapse]