Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

ISPT0311

Incident date

October 17, 2023

Location

منزل لعائلة حواس, Hawass family house, Gaza Strip, the Gaza Strip

Airwars assessment

On 17th October 2023, an alleged airstrike hit the house of the Hawass family, in the Gaza Strip, resulting in an unknown number of injuries. All sources attributed the strike to Israeli forces.

Numerous Twitter/X accounts posted images showing Civil Defense and medical services rescuing and attending to those injured in the strike on the Hawass home, with Deir Abu Mishal specifically mentioning “dealing with those injured”. The images show multiple individuals were injured, but the exact amount of injuries remains unclear.

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.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (34) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @ShababFM1014
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @ShababFM1014
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @ShababFM1014
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @ShababFM1014
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Source: 'Asala watan
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: 'Asala watan
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    Source: 'Asala watan
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    Source: 'Asala watan
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: 'Asala watan
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Deir Abu Mishal
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Deir Abu Mishal
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Deir Abu Mishal
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Deir Abu Mishal
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Deir Abu Mishal
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Deir Abu Mishal
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Deir Abu Mishal
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Al dakhlaa alflasinya
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Al dakhlaa alflasinya
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Al dakhlaa alflasinya
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Al dakhlaa alflasinya
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Al dakhlaa alflasinya
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Al dakhlaa alflasinya

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
    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 (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0279

Incident date

October 17, 2023

Location

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

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

On October 17th 2023, an unknown number of casualties were reported in a possible strike on the family home of Lal Al-Salhi in Block 2 of the Al-Bureij camp in Gaza.

While numerous sources reported the strike on the Al-Salhi home, few details are available regarding the number of those injured or killed. No names of victims are offered, and no sources include photos of the aftermath of the strike.

Most accounts simply state: “Injuries in the bombing of the Al-Salhi family’s house in Block 2 of the Bureij camp.” Only one source, a Facebook post by Khamis, offers something like a numerical figure, stating that there were attempts to remove “dozens of wounded and martyrs” from the rubble of the home, which Airwars has quantified as 12-24 in both the fatality and injury range. Given the lack of specificity in reporting, Airwars has graded the harm status as “weak” until further information comes to light.

Due to none of the accounts directly naming Israel as the belligerent, the strike status has been graded as “contested”. However, a tweet by @quds_yu references the strike on the Al-Salhi home, and mentions, separately, Israeli bombing of Khan Yunis.

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.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    IDP or refugee camp, Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 24
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attackers
    Israeli Military, Palestinian Militants

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention Block 12 being struck, allegedly located within Bureij camp (مخيم البريج). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Bureij camp are: 31.437934, 34.403857.

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Palestinian Militants Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Palestinian Militants
  • Palestinian Militants position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    IDP or refugee camp, Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 24
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–24
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attackers
    Israeli Military, Palestinian Militants

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0332a

Incident date

October 17, 2023

Location

خان يونس, Khan Younis, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.346149, 34.303899 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four members of the al-Masry family were reportedly killed and three others were injured by an alleged Israeli bombardment in Khan Yunis during the dawn hours of the 17th of October, 2023.

The killed and injured civilians came from three generations of the al-Masry family. 5-year-old Amir Hammam Salem Samara al-Masry, his mother, 30-year-old Asmaa Jihad Suleiman al-Masry, and her mother, 56-year-old Indira Salman Abu Suwais al-Masry were all killed on the 17th of October. Indira Salman Abu Suwais al-Masry’s husband – Dr. Jihad Suleiman al-Masry – was severely wounded and died in hospital from his injuries 12 days later on October 29th. Those injured in the strike were Aseel Jihad al-Masry — the daughter of Dr. Jihad Suleiman al-Masry and Indira Salman Abu Suwais al-Masry — and two of their grandsons: Jihad Salem Hammam al-Masry and Jihad Ayham Hammam al-Masry, both children. According to Ali al-Astal, their injuries were “serious” and they were transported to hospital.

In an obituary posted on Facebook, the al-Quds Open University paid tribute to Dr. Jihad Suleiman al-Masry, a “scholar and educator” who was “a member of the university’s board and director of its branch in Khan Younis.” Dan Sheehan, writing on Literary Hub, described him as “a historian and university professor whose contributions spanned generations” and who had published “numerous research papers on Islamic history and Palestinian oral traditions in both Arab and international journals.” According to Literary Hub, Dr. Jihad had been on his way to meet his wife and daughter when the attack occurred.

Nephew Hassan T Alakhras recounted his final interaction with Dr. Jihad Suleiman al-Masry in hospital: “when I brought you into the operating room, I kissed you on your forehead and told you to watch, and praise be to God. The last of your words was I bear witness that there is no god but God, and you told me to take care of yourself. With a glance, I went. May God have mercy on you, my dear one.”

Tributes and prayers were also posted on Facebook for the other members of the family who were killed. Young Amir Hammam Salem Samara al-Masry was described as “a bird of paradise” by the Almassry Family. Meanwhile, Osama al-Masri wrote that “The al-Masry family mourns at home and [in the] diaspora”. He added that “We ask God to accept them in the highest heavens and grant them the highest paradise.” Echoing this, Mansour Al-Masri said: “We ask God Almighty to accept them in heaven, to cover them with His vast mercy, to dwell them in His spacious gardens, and to inspire their families and loved ones with patience and solace.”

Family members such as Hassan T Alakhras also expressed their hope for “a speedy recovery for the wounded.”

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

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

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

The incident occured around dawn.

The victims were named as:

Family members (7)

Jihad Suleiman al-Masry جهاد سليمان المصري
Adult male killed
Indira Salman Abu Suwais al-Masry انديرا سلمان محمد ابو صويص
56 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 456602143
Asmaa Jihad Suleiman al-Masry أسماء جهاد سليمان المصري
30 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 413038878
Amir Hammam Salem Samara al-Masry أمير همام سالم المصري
5 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 440579977
Aseel Jihad al-Masry اسيل جهاد المصري
Age unknown female injured
Salem Hammam al-Masry سالم همام المصري
Child male injured
Ayham Hammam al-Masry ايهم همام المصري
Child male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (1 child2 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Impact
    Education
    Impact on services or infrastructure relating to education, health or food supply. See methodology note for details.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (10) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Suleiman Al-Masry
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Suleiman Al-Masry
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Suleiman Al-Masry
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Almassry Family
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

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

    Source: Hassan T Alakhras
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Mohammad Youssof
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Hassan T Alakhras
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Literary Hub Report
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Khan Younis (خان يونس), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.346149, 34.303899. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (1 child2 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Impact
    Education
    Impact on services or infrastructure relating to education, health or food supply. See methodology note for details.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0287

Incident date

October 17, 2023

Location

الصفطاوي, Al Saftawi, North Gaza, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.539895, 34.473281 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On Tuesday, October 17, 2023, an Israeli airstrike reportedly hit the Baalousha family home in the Al-Saftawi neighborhood of Gaza City. According to available information, between 15 and 16 civilians from two families were killed, including Muhammad Baalousha, a journalist employed by Palestine Today. Media reports, including Anadolu Agency, cited an unspecified number of civilians who were purportedly wounded. A source, Belall Daqqa, reported that the incident took place at dawn.

Reporting on this event on X, Shehab Agency stated, “Journalist at Palestine Today Channel/Gaza Bureau, colleague Muhammad Baalousha (Abu Jamil), was killed in a treacherous bombing that targeted him and his family last night in the Al-Saftawi neighborhood, north of Gaza City.”

In a post on the Palestine Today website, Palestine Today reported the death of Muhammad Baalousha and described him as a journalist as well as an administrative and financial director for the organization.

The victims were identified by multiple sources posting on Facebook, including a family member called Ahmed Baalousha, as 62-year-old Jamil Muhammad Baalousha (Abu Muhammad Baalousha) who was killed alongside his wife, 60-year-old Hoda Ismail Baalousha, their daughter, 34-year-old Pharmacist Dr Iman Jamil Muhammad Baalousha, and their sons, the journalist, 36-year-old Muhammad Jamil Muhammad Baalousha, and 31-year-old Ayman Muhammad Jamil Baalousha. Ayman Muhammad Jamil Baalousha’s wife, 30-year-old Heba Saeed Baalousha, was also killed alongside their daughters eight-year-old Hoda Ayman Baalousha, and five-year-old Kinda Ayman Baalousha, and son, four-year-old Jamil Ayman Baalousha. Muhammad Baalousha’s daughter, 11-year-old Layan Muhammad Baalousha, was also reported as killed and his other daughter, 13-year-old Tala Muhammed Baalousha, was reported as injured by a facebook user, Osama Ismail, however two Facebook posts from MA almaddah and Ahmed Baalousha reported her as having been killed.

Members of a second family were also reportedly killed during this incident. According to currently available information, this included 74-year-old Muhammed Almahlawy, also known as Abu Salah Almahlawy, alongside his son Salah Almahlawy and grandsons 26-year-old Hassan Almahlawy, and 29-year-old Muhammad Almahlawy. 19-year-old Majid Majid Ka’bar was reported as killed in this incident as well and family members made heartfelt tributes to him in online posts. All three men were described in a post by Ismael Z. Almahallawi as Ismael’s cousins.

Posting on Facebook a user named Hussien Isleem, stated, “Abu Muhammad Baalousha, was bombarded. As a result, he and his wife, the moral teacher, the martyr Hoda Hamada, and his son, the journalist who was a Qur’an who walked on the ground, Muhammad Baalousha (Abu Jamil), were martyred. His son, Ayman Baalousha, his wife and 3 children, and his daughter, Dr. Iman Baalousha…. Our neighbors joined them: Abu Salah al-Mahlawi, his son Salah, and his two grandsons Hassan and Muhammad.”

Anadolu Agency reported that, according to eyewitnesses, the incident left many others injured.

A facebook user called Shahd Abu Salma made a tribute to Hoda Ismail Baalousha in a post, saying she had been his primary school teacher and that their families had “joined together in thick and thin”.

Following this incident, journalist Amr Tabash posted numerous photographs on Facebook showing a crowd assembled in proximity to what appears to be a heavily damaged residential building. Posting on X, the Palestinian Information Center shared three photographs showing a crowd gathered around Muhammad Baalousha’s body. Another image of his funeral showed his body dressed in a press bullet-proof vest with a press helmet and wrapped in white funeral shroud.

The Guardian reported Muhammed Baalousha’s death and claimed, by October 17, Muhammed was the 12th journalist to have been reportedly killed by an Israeli airstrike.

UNESCO Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, made a statement on October 30, 2023, stating “I deplore the death of Mohammad Balousha. I reiterate my call for the respect of the UN Security Council Resolution 2222/2015 on the protection of journalists, media professionals and associated personnel as civilians in situations of conflict and call for a full independent investigation into the circumstances of his death.”

Multiple sources, including a family member called Ahmed Baalousha, reported the ages of the victims from the Baalousha family as listed above. However their names could not be matched with the Palestinian Ministry of Health list of names of fatalities published on October 26, 2023. Hassan and Muhammed Almahlawy and Majid Ka’bar were matched with the MoH list and their ages were confirmed.

Where sources identified the belligerent, all sources attributed the strikes to Israeli forces. A post from Shahd abu salma reported that the incident took place without warning.

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

The incident occured around dawn.

The victims were named as:

Family members (11)

Jamil Muhammad Hassan Baalousha جميل محمد حسن بعلوشة
62 years old male killed
Hoda Ismail Baalousha هدى اسماعيل بعلوشة
60 years old female killed
Iman Jamil Muhammad Baalousha ايمان جميل محمد بعلوشة
34 years old female killed
Muhammad Jamil Muhammad Baalousha محمد جميل محمد بعلوشة
36 years old male killed
Ayman Muhammad Jamil Baalousha أيمن محمد جميل بعلوشة
31 years old male killed
Heba Saeed Baalousha هبة سعيد بعلوشة
30 years old female killed
Layan Muhammad Baalousha ليان محمد بعلوشة
11 years old female killed
Hoda Ayman Baalousha هدى ايمن بعلوشة
8 years old female killed
Kinda Ayman Baalousha كنده أيمن بعلوشة
5 years old female killed
Jamil Ayman Baalousha جميل أيمن بعلوشة
4 years old male killed
Tala Muhammad Baalousha تالا محمد بعلوشة
13 years old female

Family members (5)

Muhammed Almahlawy محمد المحلاوي
74 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 911236537
Salah Almahlawy صلاح المحلاوي
male killed
Hassan Almahlawy حسن المحلاوي
26 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 402526560
Muhammad Almahlawy محمد المحلاوي
29 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 400142121
Majid Majid Kaabr ماجد ماجد كعبر
19 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 420422594

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 16
  • (4–5 children3 women8 men1 journalist)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–10
  • 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 (43) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (41) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

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

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

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

    Source: Almashahad news
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Anadol news
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: E3lam news
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Belal Daqqa news
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Basma alfarra
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Osama ismail
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Osama ismail
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmad balousha
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    Source: Jamal al malawi
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    Source: Jamal al malawi
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    Source: Abu majid
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

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

    Source: Misoun abu daher
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    Source: Abu muen radwan
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Abu muen radwan
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    Source: Abu muen radwan
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

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

    Source: Amro tapsh
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Amro tapsh
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Amro tapsh
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Amro tapsh
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Amro tapsh
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Amro tapsh
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Amro tapsh
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Amro tapsh
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Amro tapsh
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Amro tapsh
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Anadolu Agency News
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    Source: @channeldraw
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

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

    Source: @FPalestinex
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Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Saftawi (الصفطاوي) to the west of Jabalia (جباليا). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Al Saftawi are: 31.539895, 34.473281.

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Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    15 – 16
  • (4–5 children3 women8 men1 journalist)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–10
  • 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 (43) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0332g

Incident date

October 17, 2023

Location

قِطَاعُ غَزَّةَ, Gaza Strip, the Gaza Strip

Airwars assessment

On Tuesday, October 17th 2023, at least one young male civilian was reportedly killed, but the precise details of the incident, including location and time, are not yet known.

The victim was identified by friends and family on social media as a 22-year old man named Youssef Naji Fares al-Hayek.

Family member Haya Bashar wrote a message on Facebook announcing the death of his cousin: “I swear to God, I don’t know how to console, what to say, or how to console. God is sufficient for me, and He is the best disposer of affairs 💔💔💔 The son of my cousin Umm Youssef, ‘Youssef Naji Al-Hayek,’ has passed away to the mercy of God Almighty, joining the convoys of martyrs.”

Facebook user Muaamen shared a photo of himself with Youssef, who is depicted taking a selfie of the two of them wearing a light blue polo shirt and a cap smiling toward the camera.  The comment reads, “with great sorrow and sadness, and with hearts that believe in God’s will and destiny My friend, the martyr Youssef Al-Hayek, has passed away. May God accept you and make your place in heaven.”

Family members and friends shared many images of the late Youssef on social media where he appears as a young and smiling bearded man and was described as a “pure soul.” In an image shared by Hayek Family he is dressed in a white shirt and is captured against the backdrop of the sea.

While local sources did not identify the belligerent, Airwars has matched the name of the civilian killed with the Palestinian Ministry of Health list of fatalities in Gaza released on October 26th, 2023, which explicitly mentions that names on the list are “victims of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.” Therefore, the strike status of this incident has been graded as a single source claim. However, based on the multiple sources reporting on the civilian harm, the civilian harm status has been graded as fair.

The location of the strike is unknown.

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:

Youssef Naji Fares al-Hayek يوسف ناجي فارس الحايك
22 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 407119940

Summary

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

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (9) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

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

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

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

    Source: Hayek Family
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

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

    Source: Noor.hadedo.9
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

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

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

    Source: Aljoulani2018

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Summary

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

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0332b

Incident date

October 17, 2023

Location

Gaza Strip, the Gaza Strip

Airwars assessment

On October 17th, 2023, Muhammad Mahmoud Al-Balbisi (25) was killed by an alleged Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip.

The Martyrs of Gaza Twitter/X account posted a tribute by Muhammad’s friend Hamoud Abbadi, quoting him as saying, “Who said that parting does not change the features? We were always together… in everything, laughing, going out, doing everything together. But this time, I am crying alone. We spent our childhood together, creating all our memories together. But now, I have to continue without you. Tell me, how can I? I can’t comprehend it until now, and I will never be able to overcome it. You are a loss to humanity. May God have mercy on you, my dear.”

Other friends and relatives expressed their grief on social media. On Facebook, Ahmed J.L.Alsibakhi wrote, “I extend my sincere condolences and sympathy to my friends and sisters, the Al-Balbisi family in general, and my dear brother and friend Ibrahim Al-Balbisi on the martyrdom of his brother Muhammad Al-Balbisi…Exactly two weeks ago, I was sitting with him in Rafah, going to see Ezza. I sat with him and he told me one sentence: we will all die, and life is not permanent and will end in the blink of an eye. Your words are wrong, my friend. We belong to God and to Him we shall return…” Abed Saqr shared a video featuring a smiling photo of Muhammad Mahmoud Al-Balbisi, along with a caption saying “To God we belong and to Him we shall return. The martyrdom of the good young man, Muhammad Al-Bilbisi, my cousin.” Another relative, Ahmad Ibraheem Al-Balbisi, posted “May God reward us with the martyrdom of my nephew, Muhammad Mahmoud Al-Balbisi.” On Twitter/X, @aliaalixxx reposted another photo showing Muhammad smiling at the camera and wrote “Muhammad Mahmoud Al-Balbisi (25 years old). He had many dreams.. and he was very kind to people and to be happy.. affectionate with everyone and a brother and son to everyone.”

Airwars was able to match Muhammad’s name with the Palestinian Ministry of Health list of nearly 7000 victims’ names and ID numbers released on October 26th

The specific time and location of the strike are currently unknown. One source identified the belligerent, attributing 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 local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Muhammad Mahmoud Aa-Balbisi محمد محمود البلبيسي
25 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 405178633

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmed J.L.Alsibakhi
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Ahmed J.L.Alsibakhi
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Omar Sager
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

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

    Source: @GazaMartyrs
  • 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
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0305

Incident date

October 17, 2023

Location

محيط دوار الدرابية, Vicinity of Darabiyah Roundabout, Gaza, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.536377, 34.455810 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In the early morning of Tuesday, 17 October, 2023, several civilians were reportedly injured and killed as the result of an alleged Israeli bombardment that hit the Siam family home in the vicinity of the Darabiyah roundabout, west of Gaza City.

Safa correspondent and other local sources, reporting very similar information, said that a number of martyrs and injuries were recovered as a result of the bombing of a house belonging to the Siam family. Further information about the victims is not available.

Only one source identified Israeli military as a belligerent, therefore, Airwars has graded the Strike Status as Single Source Claim and due to limited information on the victims, the civilian harm status was graded as Weak.

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

The incident occured around dawn.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the vicinity of Darabiyah Roundabout (دوار الدرابية) to the west of Gaza city (غزة), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.536377, 34.455810. 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
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

ISPT0282

Incident date

October 17, 2023

Location

مجزرة عائلة المقيد في دير البلح وسط قطاع غزة, the Al-Muqayd family in Deir Al-Balah, Central Gaza Strip, the Gaza Strip

Airwars assessment

On October 17th 2023, six members of the Al-Muqayd family, four children and two women, were killed when their house in Deir Al-Balah in the middle of the Gaza Strip was destroyed due to an alleged Israeli bombing.

Journalist Ziad Al-Muqayd was working when he received the news of the death of his family members due to the destruction. Ziad’s mother Siham Al-Muqayad Al-Dabiki, his wife Samah Ismail Al-Muqayd and their four children, daughter Sama Ziad Al-Muqayd and sons Abudullah Ziad Al-Muqayd, Zain Ziad Al-Muqayd, and Salam Ziad Al-Muqayd were killed after aircraft bombed their house. After their bodies were recovered, Ziad’s wife and 4 of the children’s remains were placed on one shroud. Search was underway for missing persons under the rubble of the house at the time of reporting.

Ziad Al-Muqayd announced the death of his wife and children in the “crimes against Journalist” group to his fellow colleagues. As his colleague @ShazaAbed pointed out, “What do we tell him??? How do we console him?” in light of the tragedy he faced.

@adham922 posted about the last conversation he had with Ziad, where Ziad mentioned that he had not returned home for 10 days, as he is the creative photographer on Al-Aqsa TV. When he finally returned, he returned to bid farewell to his family members.

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

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

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (6)

Siham Al-Muqayd Al-Dabiki سهام المقيد الدبيكي
68 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 917583130
Samah Ismail Al-Muqayd سماح إسماعيل المقيد
38 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 801028820
Sama Ziad Al-Muqayd سماء زياد المقيد
11 years old female killed Matched to MoH ID 433453933
Abdullah Ziyad Al-Muqayd عبد الله زياد المقيد
7 years old male killed Matched to MoH ID 437112709
Zain Ziyad Muqayd الإبن زين زياد المقيد
male killed
Salam Ziad Al-Muqayd
male

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Residential building
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • (4 children2 women)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (33) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (73) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Source: @jSh8C3ArPE3Z4Zi
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

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

    Source: @23Kanjiro
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @23Kanjiro
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @23Kanjiro
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: @23Kanjiro
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Abu yahya
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • 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
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    6
  • (4 children2 women)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (33) [ collapse]