Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

M21ISPT094

Incident date

May 17, 2021

Location

شارع أبو حصيرة, Abou Hassira street, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.528054, 34.437933 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between one and three people were killed and ten others were injured in a reported airstrike by the Israeli armed forces. The attack hit a car on the Abou Hassira roundabout in west Gaza. One combatant was also killed, confirmed by militant group Al Qassam.

PCHR Gaza reported that at approximately 12:30 pm the Israeli forces targeted a car on Abu Hassira street and local sources identified the car as a white Citroen car.

The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Centre stated that the airstrike targeted the car, as it was suspected of carrying a rocket-launching squad. Furthermore the Daily Mail reported that members of Hamas were inside the car that were allegedly responsible for launching an autonomous submarine.

No other sources mention that militants were in the car at the time of the attack.

According to SHMS news, three people were killed in the attack and 10 civilians were injured. Local sources identified the civilian killed as Adeeb Al-Sourani (43), the driver of the car (taxi). Mr Al-Sourani was from the Al-Shuja’iya neighbourhood. Sources reported that after the car was hit people rushed to help and an ambulance came to the place of the incident to rescue the people inside of the car.

KyleJGlen, an open-source intelligence analyst and co-founder of the Twitter feed Conflict news, tweeted that the airstrike reminded him of a R9X strike, but asserted that according to his knowledge the Israeli defence forces do not possess such weaponry.

Almayadeen News published a report stating that a spokesman for the Palestinian Ministry of Health, Ashraf al-Qidra, confirmed the attack on a civilian car and the killing of three people near the Abu Hasira junction.

The death of the belligerent Ahmed Khalil Hegazy Al-Louh (32), a member of Al Qassam, the military wing of Hamas, was confirmed by Alquassam.ps News. He was killed during the attack near the Abu Hassira roundabout. Local sources mentioned that he was a resident of the Al-Sabra neighbourhood.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Adeeb Al-Sourani اديب الصوراني
43 years old male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    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
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (82) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (25) [ collapse]

  • Image of car hit in alleged Israeli airstrikes on 17th May 2021, killing up to three people and one combatant. Posted by PalastineNow
  • Image of the car hit by alleged Israeli airstrikes on May 17th 2021. Image posted by PalastineNow.
  • Image of the front seat of the car hit by alleged Israeli strikes on May 17th 2021; signs of the driver reported killed in the attack in the front seat of the car. Image posted by PalastineNow.
  • People gather round the car hit in alleged Israeli strikes on May 17th 2021, killing up to three people and injuring another 10. Image posted by PalastineNow.
  • Image showing the destruction of the car hit in alleged Israeli strikes in Gaza, May 17th 2021. Image posted by PalastineNow.
  • Combatant Ahmed Khalil Hegazy Al-Louh, aged 32, killed in alleged Israeli strikes on Gaza May 17th, 2021. Image posted by Alqassam.ps.
  • Ahmed Khalil Hegazy Al-Louh (32), killed alongside one to three civilians, in a an alleged Israeli airstrike May 17th 2021. Image posted by Alqassam.ps.
  • Member of Al Qassam Ahmed Khalil Hegazy Al-Louh (32), killed in an alleged Israeli airstrike May 17th 2021. Image via Alqassam.ps.
  • Image of Ahmed Khalil Hegazy Al-Louh (32), posted by militant group Al Qassam, after Mr Louh was killed in an alleged Israeli strike on Gaza May 17th 2021, alongside between one and three civilians. Image posted by Alqassam.ps.
  • Image posted on Kamal Al-Louh's own Facebook account, after he was killed in alleged Israeli strikes on Gaza May 17th 2021. Al Qassam noted that Mr Louh was a member of their militant organisation. Image vis Kamal Al-louh Facebook.
  • Image posted by an assumed relative of Kamal Al Louh - a member of Al Qassam, killed in an alleged Israeli strike on Gaza May 17th 2021. Image via Rami Allouh Facebook.
  • Image posted of Al Qassam combatant Ahmed Al-Louh, killed in alleged Israeli strikes on Gaza, May 17th 2021. Image posted on Twitter by hjaz39596511.
  • Image of Adeeb Al-Sourani, a civilian killed in alleged Israeli strikes on Gaza 17th May 2021. Image via @IslamMohisen
  • The car hit in an alleged Israeli strike near Abu Hasira on May 17th 2021, killing up to three people. Image posted on Twitter by @qudsn.
  • Children gather around the car hit in an alleged Israeli strike in Gaza 17th May 2021, killing up to three people. Image posted on Twitter via @qudsn.
  • The car hit in an alleged Israeli airstrike on May 17th 2021 in Gaza, near Abu Hasira roundabout. Image posted via @qudsn.
  • View of the roundabout showing the wreckage of a car hit in alleged Israeli airstrikes on May 17th 2021 Gaza, killing up to three people and injuring 10 others. Image posted on Twitter via @NewspressPs.
  • The car hit by an alleged Israeli airstrike, posted on Twitter by @YouthGoDigital.
  • The car hit by alleged Israeli airstrikes, May 17th 2021 on Gaza. Up to three people were killed in the attack, and ten civilians were injured. Image posted by Almayadeen news outlet.
  • People crowd around a car hit in an alleged Israeli airstrike in Gaza May 17th 2021; up to three people were killed and 10 wounded. Image posted by SHMS News.
  • An image highlighting civilian Adeeb Al-Sourani, killed when an alleged Israeli strike hit a car in Gaza May 17th 2021. Image posted on Facebook by Abo Al'abd.
  • "Gaza is under bombardment....pray for us" - posted by Abo Al'abd on Facebook, alongside an image of the victim of an Israeli airstrike on a car in Gaza 17th May 2021.
  • Adeeb Sourani, aged 43, was reported killed in alleged Israeli airstrikes on Abu Hasira junction, May 17th 2021. Image posted on Twitter via @Pal_Shaheed.
  • Abeeb al Sourani, aged 44, killed in an alleged Israeli airstrike on Gaza, May 17th 2021. Image posted on Twitter via @Betelgeuse100.
  • Al Qassam member Ahmed Al Louh, killed in an alleged Israeli strike on a car in Gaza, May 17th 2021. Image posted on Twitter by @Betelgeuse100.

Geolocation notes (3) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a vehicle being struck on Abou Hassira ( شارع أبو حصيرة) street. Analyzing audio-visual material from sources, we have narrowed down the location to these exact coordinates: 31.528054, 34.437933.

  • Imagery:
    Planet

  • Imagery:
    @paltimes2015

  • Imagery:
    @paltimes2015

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    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
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (82) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT092

Incident date

May 17, 2021

Location

بناية غازي الشوا, Ghazi Al Shawa building, the Gaza Strip

Airwars assessment

Two civilians, including a ten-year old girl, were killed and seven other civilians were injured by shrapnel from an Israeli airstrike on a building in the Rimal neighbourhood of Gaza City during the early evening of 17th May, 2021.

Ziyad Kamal Abdullah Abu Dayer, aged 45 or 55, was killed in the strike, along with his niece, Rafif Morshid Kamal Abu Dayer, aged 10. They were eating a meal with relatives in a private residential garden beside the Ghazi al-Shawa building when the strike took place, between 5.45 and 6.45 p.m. in the evening.

In addition, 10 or more other civilians were reportedly wounded, including Rafif’s two brothers, other members of the Dayer family, and Health Ministry employees. Incident ISPT097, which occurred close by and involved the Health Ministry and clinic, records the health employees injured (2 two workers from the Ministry of Health and Dr Majed Salha from the Al-Rimal clinic), putting the injury toll in this incident at 7 civilians injured.

B’Tselem provided testimony from Muhammad Abu Dayer, 16, Ziad’s son: “At 3:15 P.M., I went back to my uncle’s house. We arranged mattresses on the balcony to sit and eat. My father sat on a chair, reading the Quran on his phone. My uncle’s daughter Rafif, was sitting next to him drawing. I sat with the rest of the family – my mother, my uncle, his wife and their eight sons – on the mattresses. Suddenly, we heard something whistle through the air. Then there was smoke and dust, and bits of debris and stones rained down on us. I got up to look for everyone. I put a hand on the door and discovered it had no handle. The water tanks had been damaged, and the water leaking from them helped clear the smoke and dust. It also put out the fire that had started burning in the mattresses and sofas. Only then did I start seeing what was happening around me. I saw everyone wounded and bleeding. I looked for my father and found him on the sofa, wounded in the head. Part of his head had fallen to the floor. When I saw that, I screamed in horror. I was in shock. It was the first time I’d seen anything like it. I’ve never seen anyone injured or killed. I went out to al-Wehdah Street. My cousins Ziad, 18, and Muhammad, 21, came out after me. They were looking for an ambulance. A few minutes later, ambulances arrived. They took away my cousin Rafif, who’d been hit in the head and neck and killed. Then they put my father in the ambulance. He was dead. I went with them to the hospital. I was examined and they found I was injured in my shoulder and left toe. The rest of my family were examined, too. That evening, at 8:00 P.M., we buried my father. Then we went to my uncle Khaled’s house in the a-Sabra neighborhood, because it’s no longer possible to live at my uncle Murshed’s house.It was a hard, sad day. My father is dead and I’m alone. I lost the person who was dearest to me. He was afraid something would happen to me in the airstrikes and that I’d be killed, but in the end, it happened to him. I still can’t believe it happened and don’t want to believe it. I feel like I’m living in a nightmare. I’m still young and already an orphan. I lost my father, who was my whole world and gave me hope in this world. He meant everything to me.”

Images taken by Getty Images show at three children, a woman, and a man receiving medical treatment at Al Shifa Hospital following the strikes.

The New York Times reported that Rafif loved to draw and that “she had sketched one of the high-rise buildings that an Israeli airstrike destroyed in Gaza City two days earlier and had started to color in her drawing when her mother called her for lunch. “You can go back to drawing after you eat,” her mother said. The girl sat down for lunch with 13 relatives in a private residential garden. Minutes later, Israel attacked a building nearby, an uncle said. Shrapnel and rubble struck Rafeef. She and another uncle were killed.”

The Electronic Intifada gave details that Ziad Abu Dayer and his family had actually taken shelter at the Al Hawa building that day because the family’s own home had been razed during the previous day’s bombing. “We thought it would be a safe place to hide,” said Ziad’s son Kamel, 16. Kamel had just checked to see if his father wished to eat something before the bombing occurred. Ziad was reading the Quran and wanted to continue doing so. “The bombing started a few minutes later,” said Kamel. “Black smoke quickly spread all around the place. We couldn’t see anything. I eventually found my father lying on the ground.” Kamel, who was injured in the arm, accompanied his father as he was rushed to hospital by ambulance. The ambulance took longer than it should have to arrive because Israel had severely damaged the adjoining road, ambulance drivers encountered difficulties traveling to and from the hospital.

In an interview with @AlMamlakaTV, the son of Ziyad and cousin of Rafif said that “I still have my father’s blood on the ground”, recounting the aftermath of the strike that caused injuries to so many members of his family.

The top three storeys of the al-Shawa building were destroyed in the strike. The building is mixed-use residential and commercial, housing organisations including the American Children’s Relief Foundation, the Qatar Red Crescent and the Islamic National Bank headquarters, along with private medical practices.

Qatar’s foreign minister released the statement that “The State of Qatar expresses its strong condemnation of the Israeli occupation’s bombing of the Qatari Red Crescent Society building in the besieged Gaza Strip, which resulted in several deaths and injuries,” the statement said.

The Al-Remal medical clinic nearby was also severely damaged in the strike, rendering inoperable Gaza’s only Covid-19 testing site, according to the New York Times. Other nearby buildings damaged in the strike include the Gaza Ministry of Health, an orphanage and the Palestine Feminist Foundation.

The Danish Refugee Council confirmed that they had been working with Rafif as part of their psycho-social support programme for children experiencing conflict trauma.

The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs commented that the bombing of the Shawa building and its impact on civilians and essential infrastructure “raises serious concerns over a possible indiscriminate and disproportionate attack under international humanitarian law.”

The IDF released a statement at 18:59 that “Fighter jets recently attacked the main Hamas of the Hamas terrorist organization’s internal security organization in the Rimal neighborhood, in the northern Gaza Strip.”

Anadolu Agency pointed out that the strikes occurred without warning.

The incident occured between 5:45 pm and 6:45 pm local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Ziyad Kamal Abdullah Abu Dayer زياد كامل عبدلله أبو دير
Adult male He was aged between 45 and 55 killed
Rafif Morshid Kamal Abu Dayer رفيف مرشد كامل أبو دير
10 years old female killed
Kamal, Ziyad's son كامل‎, ابن زياد
16 years old male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Known attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Known target
    Palestinian Forces

Sources (78) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (37) [ collapse]

  • Translated image caption: The martyr Ziyad Abu Dayer was having lunch with his family. He and his niece were martyred 11 years old (image via @hlbvm_redwan)
  • Image shows the father of Rafif Abu Dayer clutching her body at the al Shifa hospital. Rafif Dayer was killed by shrapnel on May 17th, 2021 alongside her uncle (image via He.For.Me)
  • Image of Ziad Abu Dayer who was killed on May 17th, 2021 alongside his niece (image via a Facebook post by Zaki)
  • Image of buildings reportedly damaged in the May 17th, 2021 strike al Rimal neighbourhood. Two civilians were killed in the airstrike (image via AlshababRadio)
  • Image showing damage to area of an airstrike in a Gaza neighbourhood which killed two civilians on May 17th, 2021 (image via Paltoday)
  • Image shows area affected by airstrike in Al Rimal neighbourhood on May 17th, 2021. It hit the al-Shawa building which was mixed use residential and commercial (image via Paltoday)
  • Image shows the area affected by an airstrike in the al Rimal neighbourhood. Two civilians, including a ten-year old girl, were killed by shrapnel (image via Paltoday)
  • Image shows the Al-Remal medical clinic, which was severely damaged in a May 17th, 2021 strike. The damage rendered inoperable Gaza’s only Covid-19 testing site, according to the New York Times (image via Paltoday)
  • Image shows damage to building in the may 17th, 2021 strike in Gaza's al Rimal district (image via Sanad News Agency)
  • Image shows area of a May 17th, 2021 strike in Al Rimal neighbourhood. Shrapnel killed two civilians including a child (image via Sanad News Agency)
  • Image shows the Palestinian Health Ministry building which sustained damage in a May 17th, 2021 airstrike in Al Rimal neighbourhood (image via Sanad News Agency)
  • Image shows area of a May 17th, 2021 strike in Al Rimal neighbourhood. Shrapnel killed two civilians including a child (image via Sanad News Agency)
  • Image of damaged building from the May 17th, 2021 airstrike in Gaza's Al Rimal district. The strike targeted the al-Shawa building but caused damage to a number of others, including the Gaza Ministry of Health, the Al-Remal medical clinic and an orphanage. Two civilians were also killed. (image via Shehab)
  • Image of damaged building from the May 17th, 2021 airstrike in Gaza's Al Rimal district. The strike targeted the al-Shawa building but caused damage to a number of others, including the Gaza Ministry of Health, the Al-Remal medical clinic and an orphanage. Two civilians were also killed. (image via Shehab)
  • Image of adamaged building from the May 17th, 2021 airstrike in Gaza's Al Rimal district. The strike targeted the al-Shawa building. Two civilian were killed by shrapnel, including a child (image via Shehab)
  • Image of Ziyad Kamal Abdullah Abu Dayer who was killed alongside his niece on may 17th, 2021 (image via Shadi Press)
  • Image caption: People inspect the rubble of destroyed commercial building and Gaza health care clinic following an Israeli airstrike on the upper floors of a commercial building near the Health Ministry in Gaza City, on Monday, May 17th, 2021 (image via Associated Press)
  • Image caption: Medics inspect the rubble of Gaza health care clinic following an Israeli airstrike on the upper floors of a commercial building near the Health Ministry in Gaza City, on Monday, May 17, 2021 (image via Associated Press)
  • Image caption says that the image shows the body of 10-year-old Rafif Abu Dayer being carried. She was killed by shrapnel caused by an Israeli airstrike on May 17th, 2021 (image via @Just_T_0606)
  • Image shows young members of the Dayer crying at al Shifa hospital. Two family members were killed on May 17th, 2021 when a building was hit by an airstrike (image via Associated Press)
  • Members of the Abu Dayer family receive treatment following an airstrike that killed two of their family members. They were eating a meal in a private residential garden beside the Ghazi al-Shawa building, which was hit by an airstrike (image via Associated Press)
  • A member of the Abu Dayer family in hospital. The family were eating a meal in a private residential garden beside the Ghazi al-Shawa building when the building was hit by an airstrike on May 17th, 2021 (image via Associated Press)
  • Image caption: Members of the Palestinian Abu Dayer family receive treatment the Al-Shifa hospital after the death of family members in an Israeli air strike on the family's home in Gaza City on May 17th, 2021 (image via Associated Press)
  • Image caption: A member of the Abu Dayer family flashes the V-sign for victory as he receives first aid at the Al-Shifa hospital, after losing his father and cousin in an Israeli air strike on the family's home in Gaza City on May 17th, 2021 (via Associated Press)
  • Image shows a member of the Abu Dayer family receiving treatment at hospital after two family members were killed by shrapnel on May 17th, 2021 (image via Associated Press)
  • Image caption: A member of the Abu Dayer family, surrounded by relatives, cries at the Al-Shifa hospital after the death of his father and cousin in an Israeli air strike on the family's home in Gaza City on May 17, 2021 (image via Associated Press)
  • Photo of Rafif Morshid Kamal Abu Dayer. She was killed on May 17th, 2021 while eating dinner with her family (image via Defence for Children International - Palestine)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Image shows Rafif Abu Dayer who was killed by shrapnel from an airstrike on May 17th, 2021 (image via @kalthani)
  • Image caption: The family of Ziyad Abu Dayer ... gathered at the dining table and their Israeli missile teams, the family survived the death of the Abu al-Auf massacre on Al-Wehda Street a few days ago, so the army killed her in the sheltering place of her relatives (via @mostafa__mahdi)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • Video| Muhammad Ziyad Abu Dayer tells how his father, 54, and his niece, Rafif, 11, climbed up with an Israeli missile, which was fired next to their house.
  • The drawing Rafeef Abu Dayer, 10, was working on before she was killed.Samar Abu Elouf for The New York Times

Geolocation notes (3) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the Al Ghazi Al Shawa building (بناية غازي الشوا) being struck. Analyzing audio-visual material from sources, we have narrowed down the location to these exact coordinates: 31.51881700, 34.44981400.

  • Reports of the incident mention the Al Ghazi Al Shawa building (بناية غازي الشوا) being struck.

    Imagery:
    Planet

  • Tagged visual material from sources.

    Imagery:
    Paltoday

  • Tagged visual material from sources.

    Imagery:
    Shehab

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Israeli Military
Official source

18:59 - Fighter jets recently attacked the main Hamas of the Hamas terrorist organization's internal security organization in the Rimal neighborhood, in the northern Gaza Strip.

Media
from belligerent (2) [ collapse]

  • The Chief of Staff of the Internal Security of the Hamas terrorist organization, Rimal (Posted by the IDF)

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Known attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Known target
    Palestinian Forces

Sources (78) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT095

Incident date

May 17, 2021

Location

دير البلح, Deir Al Balah, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.418995, 34.349442 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two children, Youssef Rafiq Ismail Al-Baz (13) and Ramadan Rafiq Al-Baz (16), were reported killed and between one and three civilians were reported injured in an alleged Isreali airstrike at approximately 12:40pm, in Deir Al Balah along Salah El-Din Road on May 17th, 2021.

Local sources reported that, without prior warning, an Isreali aerial drone launched a missile at the home of the Al Baz family, near the Al-Aqsa Hospital.

Al Meza news stated that Youssef Rafik Al-Baz was killed directly, whilst his brother Ramadan was in a critical condition, and both were brought to the Al-Aqsa Hospital. Ramadan succumbed to his severe injuries in the hospital, after receiving treatment for shrapnel injuries.

Youssef was a seventh grader at the Rudol Filter (A) school for Boys in the Central Education Directorate.

Al-HAQ released a report stating that due to the attack, a nearby car workshop and the Al-Baz family home were damaged. @mohamd14824342 also pinpointed the location of the strikes to near an UNRWA center on Salah El-Din Street.

Mashrqnews and other local sources reported that further civilians were injured during the attack, estimates vary between one and three injured civilians.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Youssef Rafiq Ismail Al-Baz يوسف رفيق الباز
13 years old male killed
Ramadan Rafiq Al-Baz رمضان رفيق الباز
16 years old male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–3
  • 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.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (40) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • Graphic image of Youssef Rafiq Al-Baz, killed in Israeli strikes on Deir Al Balah on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by @adham922)
  • Mourning the victims of the strikes on Deir Al Balah on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by @AlmakdesyMedia)
  • Image of Youssef Rafiq Al-Baz, killed in Israeli strikes on Deir Al Balah on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by Yousef, a cousin of the deceased, via Facebook)
  • Image of Ramadan Rafiq Al-Baz, killed in Israeli strikes on Deir Al Balah on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by Yousef, a cousin of the deceased, via Facebook)
  • Image of Youssef Rafiq Al-Baz, killed in Israeli strikes on Deir Al Balah on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by @_G4Z4)
  • The convoys of martyrs continue. My uncle’s house was bombed without warning, and the cousin was seriously injured: Ramadan Rafiq Al-Baz, and the death of his cousin, the young cousin: Youssef Rafiq Al-Baz. We belong to Allah and for him we will return

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of Youssef Rafiq Al-Baz, killed in Israeli strikes on Deir Al Balah on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by Deir Albalah via Facebook)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Deir Al Balah (دير البلح), for which the geneirc coordinates are: 31.418995, 34.349442. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–3
  • 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.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (40) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT096

Incident date

May 17, 2021

Location

وادي السلقا , Wadi Al Salqa, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.394674, 34.368668 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Suleinman Issam and a member of the Abu Musa family (age 29) were reported wounded by shelling from an alleged Israeli airstrike in Wadi al-Salq at 8:40 am on May 17th, 2021.

Local sources reported that Suleiman Issam was moderately wounded by the shrapnel from artillery shells targeting the Al-Batound Street in Wadi al-Saqa in Deir al-Balah. He received treatment for his wounds in the Al-Aqsa hospital.

NBD news stated that the member of the Abu Musa family was seriously injured but did not mention whether he was brought to the hospital for treatment.

Various sources that reported on the incident attributed the airstrike to an Israeli reconnaissance plane.

The incident occured at 08:40:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Suleiman Issam سليمان عصام
Age unknown injured
a member of the Abu Musa family أبو موسى
29 years old injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • 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 (20) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention Al Batoun Street (شارع الباطون), allegedly located in the agricultural town of Wadi Al Salqa (وادي السلقا). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Wadi Al Salqa are: 31.394674, 34.368668.

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Summary

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

Sources (20) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT097

Incident date

May 17, 2021

Location

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

Airwars assessment

Two young men were killed and two others were injured by an IDF UAV at 5:30 pm near the Hammouda clinic in Beit Lahiya. Both young men killed were identified by official sources as being members of militant groups while the two others injured were identified as civilians.

Various local sources reported on the death of Ahmed Ziyad Sabah (29) and  Muhammad Nazeer Abu Oun (18), who were allegedly killed by an Israeli airstrike targeting a group of people near the Hamouda roundabout opposite of the Hammouda medical clinic. Furthermore, PCHR Gaza released a report, asserting that two other citizens were injured, one of whom was seriously injured.

@palestino_free posted on twitter: ” Muhammad Nazir Abu Aoun was sitting at the door of his house in the safety of God, when a shrapnel hit him in his chest, so he entered the house and climbed the stairs and went to his mother to see her for the last time (Mother, I cannot breathe);”.

A post by Ahmad Abu Sedo on Facebook identified Ahmed Ziyad Sabah as being a scout leader and included a photo of him with a child in a scout uniform.

Contrasting to that statement, a different local source stated that the civilians were killed, as a result of the targeted attack of a civilian car.

The Izz al-Din Qassam Brigades Telegram channel identified Muhammas Nazeer abu Oun as a member of the Hamas’ military wing and Ahmed Ziyad Sabah was identified by the Palestine Islamic Jihad’s military wing as a member of the Artillery Corps Mujahideen in the North Gaza Brigades.

All of the sources pointed to Israel as being responsible for the strike.

The incident occured at approximately 5:30 pm local time.

Summary

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

Sources (39) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (12) [ collapse]

  • Ahmed Ziyad Sabbah, 28 years old, claimed to be a member of the Artillery Corps Mujahideen in the North Gaza Brigades, was killed in airstrikes near the Hammouda clinic in Beit Lahiya on May 17, 2021. (mage posted by @mds123111)
  • Airstrikes near the Hammouda clinic in Beit Lahiya on May 17, 2021. (mage posted by Amad News)
  • Rescue crews search for victims of airstrikes near the Hammouda clinic in Beit Lahiya on May 17, 2021. (mage posted by Amad News)
  • Rescue crews search for victims of airstrikes near the Hammouda clinic in Beit Lahiya on May 17, 2021. (mage posted by Amad News)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Very graphic image of the body of Ahmed Ziyad Sabbah, 28 years old, claimed to be a member of the Artillery Corps Mujahideen in the North Gaza Brigades, was killed in airstrikes near the Hammouda clinic in Beit Lahiya on May 17, 2021. (mage posted by Mohammad Sabbah, Ahmed's cousin)
  • Ahmed Ziyad Sabbah, 28 years old, identified as being a scout leader, was killed in airstrikes near the Hammouda clinic in Beit Lahiya on May 17, 2021. (mage posted by Ahmad Abu Sedo)
  • Ahmed Ziyad Sabbah, 28 years old, identified as being a scout leader, was killed in airstrikes near the Hammouda clinic in Beit Lahiya on May 17, 2021. (mage posted by Ahmad Abu Sedo)
  • Muhammas Nazzer Abu Oun (18), claimed to be part of Hamas' military wing, was killed in airstrikes near the Hammouda clinic in Beit Lahiya on May 17, 2021. (mage posted by Goldsmith Mohamed Abu Oun via Facebook)
  • Ahmad Ziyad Sabah, identified as a member of the Mobilization Unit of the Al-Quds Brigades, killed in strikes on Beit Lahiya on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya PS)
  • Ahmad Ziyad Sabah, identified as a member of the Mobilization Unit of the Al-Quds Brigades, killed in strikes on Beit Lahiya on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya PS)
  • Ahmad Ziyad Sabah, identified as a member of the Mobilization Unit of the Al-Quds Brigades, killed in strikes on Beit Lahiya on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya PS)
  • Ahmad Ziyad Sabah, identified as a member of the Mobilization Unit of the Al-Quds Brigades, killed in strikes on Beit Lahiya on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya PS)

Geolocation notes

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

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2

Sources (39) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT098

Incident date

May 17, 2021

Location

عيادة الرمال، الرمال, Al Remal Clinic, Al Remal, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.519126, 34.450298 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (other) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A man and his infant daughter were reported killed and Dr Majed Salha was critically injured as were a further four other civilians, due to an an airstrike allegedly carried out by the Israeli Armed Forces that hit the Al-Shawwa building on May 17th, 2021. The missiles reportedly damaged adjacent buildings such as the Al Remal clinic, the only central Covid-19 laboratory in Gaza. At least three medical personnel were reported injured in the incident.

Al Monitor stated that the bombing of Al-Wehda Street by Israeli forces “killed a man and his infant daughter, and wounded dozens of civilians and health personnel”. It is unclear if they are referring to the man and child killed in ISPT096, which occurred close by.

Local sources provided information on civilian casualties claiming that 12 civilians, including two workers from the Ministry of Health and Dr Majed Salha from the Al-Rimal clinic were injured and brought to the Al-Shifa Medical Complex. Some of the civilians were injured in the strikes that occurred nearby – through witness testimony we’ve identified at least seven civilians injured in ISPT097, putting the number of civilians injured in this event at five or more, including three health personnel.

A Gaza resident claimed: “I took my son and rushed to the building of the Ministry of Health, but the strike reached the building and four people, including two workers from the Ministry of Health, were injured.”

It was reported that Dr. Salha was in his office providing telemedicine advice when the airstrike hit the adjacent building. He was brought to the intensive care unit at Al-Shifa Medical complex, in which he spent several days. It was noted by local sources that he is the 6th doctor effected by Israeli airstrikes.

Sheab news published a statement by the undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Yousseff abu Al-Rish, stating that due to the airstrike medical consultations and medical care and Covid-19 related medical assistance have been paused.

The spokesman of the Ministry of Health, Ashrad al-Quadra stated that services are suspended and a number of workers were injured.

The Middle East Eye concluded that the Al-Shawwa building was targeted by at least three missiles. Further local sources reported damage on adjacent buildings, such as an orphanage, a female high school, offices and Al Arabiya news added that the office of Qatar Red Crescent was also affected. All of the sources attributed the strikes to Israeli missiles.

Wim Zwijnenburg posted a geo-located assessment of the event, noting: “Geo-location of the Israeli air strike that damaged the Remal Clinic/Ministry of Health in #Gaza /Qatar Red Crescent Office, as noted by @ochaopt also shutting down #covid19 testing”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Dr Majed Salha ماجد صالحة
Age unknown male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (46) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (30) [ collapse]

  • Al Rimal clinic was struck in alleged Israeli airstrikes on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by @Zakaria_k59)
  • Al Rimal clinic was struck in alleged Israeli airstrikes on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by @Ehabhelou)
  • Al Rimal clinic was struck in alleged Israeli airstrikes on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by @Ehabhelou)
  • Al Rimal clinic was struck in alleged Israeli airstrikes on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by @Ehabhelou)
  • Damage to Al Rimal clinic, which was struck in alleged Israeli airstrikes on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by @zainaayman3)
  • Al Rimal clinic and surrounding buildings were struck in alleged Israeli airstrikes on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by @AlmakdesyMedia)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Dr.Majed Salha, a doctor at Al Remal Clinic, was injured in strikes on the clinic on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by @GendeyaAmeer)
  • Rescue crews arrive to help victims of the bombing of Al Remal clinic on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by Abu Fakhry Shadi via Facebook)
  • Dr.Majed Salha, a doctor at Al Remal Clinic, was injured in strikes on the clinic on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by Martyrs of Sands Health Center)
  • Dr.Majed Salha, a doctor at Al Remal Clinic, was injured in strikes on the clinic on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by Mohammad Aoudeh via Facebook)
  • Dr.Majed Salha, a doctor at Al Remal Clinic, was injured in strikes on the clinic on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by Mohammad Aoudeh via Facebook)
  • Al Rimal clinic was struck in alleged Israeli airstrikes on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by @jnaim1)
  • Al Rimal clinic and surrounding buildings were struck in alleged Israeli airstrikes on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by @jnaim1)
  • Muhammad Al-Ajla, who survived the bombing of Al Rimal clinic on September 8/9, 2021. (Image posted by Alhrazin Medical Center)
  • Muhammad Al-Ajla, who survived the bombing of Al Rimal clinic on September 8/9, 2021. (Image posted by Alhrazin Medical Center
  • Al Rimal clinic was struck in alleged Israeli airstrikes on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by @rohantalbot)
  • Al Rimal clinic was struck in alleged Israeli airstrikes on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by Middle East Eye)
  • Al Rimal clinic was struck in alleged Israeli airstrikes on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by @dimitrilascaris)
  • Palestinian employees of the Health Ministry gather outside al-Remal Martyrs Clinic during a general strike staged by civil servants to protest against the latest statements by the Palestinian national unity government on December 31, 2014 in Gaza City. Some 40,000 civil servants employed by the Hamas government stopped receiving salaries soon after the formation of the Palestinian unity government in June. AFP PHOTO / MOHAMMED ABED (Photo credit should read MOHAMMED ABED/AFP via Getty Images)
  • Debris in front of the Al-Remal Clinic, Gaza's sole Covid-19 testing laboratory, damaged following Israeli airstrikes, in Gaza City, Gaza, on Friday, May 21, 2021. Israel and the Hamas group that rules Gaza agreed to end an 11-day conflict thats devastated large swaths of the Palestinian enclave and sowed chaos in Israel. Photographer: Ahmad Salem/Bloomberg via Getty Images
  • A pedestrian passes in front of the Al-Remal Clinic, Gaza's sole Covid-19 testing laboratory, damaged following Israeli airstrikes, in Gaza City, Gaza, on Friday, May 21, 2021. Israel and the Hamas group that rules Gaza agreed to end an 11-day conflict thats devastated large swaths of the Palestinian enclave and sowed chaos in Israel. Photographer: Ahmad Salem/Bloomberg via Getty Images
  • Al Rimal clinic was struck in alleged Israeli airstrikes on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by @rohantalbot)
  • Youssef Abu Reesh, Gaza’s deputy health minister, shows ‘The Independent’ the destroyed building housing Gaza’s only Covid lab
  • Destroyed offices of the health ministry building with the multi-storey building that was the target of the airstrikes in the background
  • A video shows how Dr, Majid Salha was injured seriously during the last war on Gaza . Dr salha was in Al rimal clinic. Israel was targeting civilians in Gaza to make the occupation felt by Palestinians. So they gave up their rights.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Al Remal (الرمال‎) clinic being struck within the neighborhood of Al Remal (الرمال‎). According to research conducted by @wammezz, and as confirmed by our geolocators, the exact coordinates for this strike are: 31.519126, 34.450298.

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 child1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (46) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT089

Incident date

May 17, 2021

Location

قرب مسجد سليم, بيت لاهيا, Vicinity of Salim Mosque, Biet Lahia, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.548385, 34.499603 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Adult male Muhammad Al-Masry, a journalist, and four children were reported injured in their family home in an alleged Israeli airstrike near the Salim Moaquein in Beit Lahiya on May 17th, 2021.

Alshabab news reported that warplanes hit the family home of Muhammad Al-Masry and local sources added that three missiles were fired at the house. Gaza Strip Palestine also named Muhammad Al-Masry and noted that he was a journalist.

Nbad stated that the five civilians were transferred to the Indonesian Hospital. It was reported that all injuries were moderate to minor but RT news reported serious injuries.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (32) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Reconnaissance planes target with 3 missiles a house for the Al-Masry family near the Salim Mosque in Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip. (Image posted by @PalinfoAr)
  • Reconnaissance planes target with 3 missiles a house for the Al-Masry family near the Salim Mosque in Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip. (Image posted by Al Shabab News)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the vicinity of Salim Mosque (مسجد سليم), within the town of Beit Lahia (بيت لاهيا), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.548385, 34.499603. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Summary

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

Sources (32) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT090

Incident date

May 17, 2021

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

An unknown number of civilians, including a child, were injured in an alleged Israeli forces bombing on a house in Khan Yunis on May 17th, 2021.

A local source reported that a girl was asleep in her home in Khan Yunis, and was injured in the attack. The girl was brought to the hospital for treatment.

Sources that reported on the incident attributed the strikes to Israel.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • A girl was allegedly injured in strikes on Khan Younis on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by @aDf8eFYGqgNmdjS)
  • Alleged Israeli strikes on Khan Younis on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by @16thGroup)
  • A girl was allegedly injured in strikes on Khan Younis on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by @aDf8eFYGqgNmdjS)
  • A girl was allegedly injured in strikes on Khan Younis on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by @aDf8eFYGqgNmdjS)

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
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]