Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

M21ISPT065

Incident date

May 15, 2021

Location

البريج, Al Bureij, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.438769, 34.404030 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One man is alleged to have been injured in an Israeli airstrike on Al Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip on Saturday 15th May 2021.

According to Al Haq, the airstrike took place around 12.15 a.m., destroying the house of Abdul Karim Issa and causing partial damage to other neighbouring buildings.

While Al Haq reported one moderate injury caused by the strike, this is not corroborated by any other source. Both Algulf and Al Haq attribute the strikes on Al Bureij to Israel.

The incident occured at approximately 12:15 am local time.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    None known
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Suspected attacker

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a residential building being struck in the Al Bureij (البريج) refugee camp, for which the generic coordinates are: 31.438769, 34.404030. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
  • position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    None known
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Suspected attacker

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT078

Incident date

May 15, 2021

Location

المغازي, Al Maghazi, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.423444, 34.387658 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A girl with disabilities was injured following an airstrike in the central section of the Gaza Strip around 11.50 p.m. on Saturday 15th May 2021. One source, a Palestinian journalist, was alone in reporting that three others were also injured in the strike.

According to Al Haq, the child, named as Zeina Shady al-Saftawi fell and injured herself following the strike. Sources disagree on the location of the strike, with Al Haq and others reporting it as happening in an area of open ground east of Al-Maghazi refugee camp; others reported the strike taking place further west, to the west of the Nuseirat refugee camp. In addition, sources dispute the weapon delivery system, with Al Haq reporting it as ground artillery fire, with others reporting an airstrike. Multiple sources attributed the strikes to Israel.

The incident occured at 23:50:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Zeina Shady al-Saftawi زينة شادي الصفطاوي
Child female injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Accidents related to conflict
  • 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 (1) [ collapse]

  • Image of strikes on Al Maghazi camp on May 15, 2021. (Image posted by @Ibrahim__Alamri)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the vicinity of Al Maghazi (المغازي) camp, for which the generic coordinates are: 31.423444, 34.387658. 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
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Accidents related to conflict
  • 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

M21ISPT066

Incident date

May 15, 2021

Location

البريج, Al Bureij, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.438769, 34.404030 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One person was reportedly injured in an alleged Israeli airstrike that hit open ground to the east of Al-Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip.

Only one source, the Palestinian Center for Human Rights, reported the event, describing the strike as taking place around 1.20 p.m. and noting that the injured person had been described by medical sources as being in a moderate condition.

The incident occured at approximately 1:20 pm local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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 (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the vicinity of Al Bureij (البريج) refugee camp, for which the generic coordinates are: 31.438769, 34.404030. 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
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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 (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT067

Incident date

May 15, 2021

Location

البريج, Al Bureij Camp, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.423444, 34.387658 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One man was killed in an Israeli drone strike on open land east of Al-Bureij refugee camp in Central Gaza around 12.10 p.m. on Saturday 15 May 2021. His status as a civilian or belligerent is contested among various sources.

Various sources, including the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) and Al-Haq, both local human rights organisations, reported that Muhammad Salem Yousef Abu Ayesh, aged 34/35, was killed by a missile strike allegedly fired from a drone. The strike took place in open farmland to the East of Al-Bureij refugee camp in the central part of the Gaza Strip.

Camps203 posted on Facebook that the body of Ayesh was taken to Al-Aqsa Hospital following the strike. A cousin of Ayesh, Mostafa Oda, posted a memorial to his death on Facebook.

Among the sources he does not appear to be linked with Hamas. However, one source, Al Haq, reports that Ayesh was a “member of the Palestinian resistance”, while another source, a Fatah-linked Facebook page, has posted images memorialising Ayesh and affiliating him with Fatah.

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

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

Summary

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

Sources (27) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Image posted by Fatah Movement - Martyrs of Maghazi area in memory of Mohammed Salem Abu Ayesh, killed in an Israeli drone strike on Al Bureij refugee camp on May 15, 2021.
  • Image of Mohammed Salem Abu Ayesh, killed in an Israeli drone strike on Al Bureij refugee camp on May 15, 2021. (Image posted by @fidaazaanin)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of Mohammed Salem Abu Ayesh, killed in an Israeli drone strike on Al Bureij refugee camp on May 15, 2021. (Image posted by @gazalivee)
  • The funeral of the 8th Mr. Muhammad Salem Abu Ayesh in the Maghazi camp

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the vicinity of Al Maghazi (المغازي) camp, for which the generic coordinates are: 31.423444, 34.387658. 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
    0 – 1
  • (0–1 men)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Belligerents reported killed
    0–1

Sources (27) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT068

Incident date

May 15, 2021

Location

مخيم الشاطئ, ِAl Shati camp, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.528524, 34.446008 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Eight children and two women were killed in the early hours of Saturday 15 May when Israeli airstrikes struck a three-storey house in the Al Shati ‘Beach’ refugee camp, to the west of Gaza City in the Gaza Strip. Various sources have reported that two mothers, who were sisters-in-law, died in the strike, with each losing four children, who were all first cousins aged between five and 14.

Multiple sources report several missiles striking the house, which belonged to Alaa Abu Hattab around 1.30 a.m, killing 10 people: (1) Yamen Abu Hatab, M, aged 5 / 6 (2) Bilal Abu Hatab, M, aged 9/10 (3) Youssef Abu Hatab, M, aged 10/11 (4) Mariyam Abu Hatab, F, aged 7 / 8 (5) Yasmine Hassan Hatab, F, aged 30/31 (6) Maha Abu Hatab (Al Hadidi), 34/36 (7) Abdul Rahman Al Hadidi, M, aged 7/8 (8) Suhaib Al Hadidi, M, aged 12/14 (9) Yahya Al Hadidi, M, aged 11 (10) Osama Al Hadidi, M, aged 5/6.

Yasmine Hatab and Maha Al Hadidi were sisters-in-law and their children were first cousins; the Al Hadidi children were visiting their cousins to celebrate the Eid festival. According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), five of the children attended UNRWA schools in the Gaza Strip.

Omar Al Hadidi, aged 5 months, survived the strike which killed his mother and four siblings, and was found amidst the rubble in his dead mother’s arms. Al Jazeera reported that 15 others, including the child, were injured in the strikes. Images provided by Anadolu Agency show at least two injured children.

Alaa Abu Hattab, the owner of the house, gave HRW this eyewitness account of the strike: “I left my house on foot at about 1:30 a.m. to go to some of the local shops that were open late during the run-up to Eid [holiday concluding the holy month of Ramadan] to buy toys and snacks for the kids for the Eid festival and to buy some food, as we were hungry. Before I left the house there was no warning that anything would happen to our house. We didn’t receive a phone call and there was no drone strike that they sometimes do to warn people that they will target a building. At least that would have scared the kids and they would have fled the house in time.”

Abu Hattab said that about 15 minutes after he had left, he heard “a very loud explosion that shook the whole area. I ran back towards the smoke and saw it was my house. It was all rubble. I felt like everything was revolving around me. I was in shock and I fainted. When I regained consciousness, I saw rescue workers looking for bodies under the rubble and recovering body parts. The attack had shredded the bodies. Other parts remained under the rubble because they could not find them. There were no militants in or near my house and no rockets or rocket launchers there. I still don’t know why they bombed my house and killed my wife and children and my sister and her children. What sin did they commit?”

The IDF have admitted to carrying out the strike, commenting that it had “attacked a number of Hamas terror organization senior officials, in an apartment used as terror infrastructure in the area of the Al Shati refugee camp.” (The New York Times reports).

Avichay Adraee, the spokesman for the Israeli army, said in a tweet that the “defense army targeted a number of Hamas officials inside an apartment used as a terrorist building in the al-Shati refugee camp,” adding that the incident was still “under examination”.

An IDF spokesman also said in a statement reported by Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom: “During the night, the IDF attacked a number of senior members of the terrorist organization Hamas in an apartment that serves as a terrorist infrastructure in the area of ​​the Shati refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip…The IDF takes precautions to minimize possible harm to civilians during its military activity.”

However, multiple eyewitness sources confirmed that no advance warning had been given that the strike was about to take place.

The incident occured at approximately 1:30 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (11)

Omar Al Hadidi عمر الحديدي
.4 years old male injured
Yamen Abu Hatab يامن ابو حطب
5 years old male killed
Bilal Abu Hatab بلال أبو حطب
9 years old male killed
Youssef Abu Hatab يوسف ابو حطب
10 years old male killed
Mariyam Abu Hatab مريم أبو حطب
7 years old female killed
Yasmine Hassan Hatab ياسمين حسن حطب
30 years old female Mother of Yamen, Bilal, Youssef, and Mariyam killed
Maha Abu Hatab (Al Hadidi) مها أبو حطب (الحديدي)
34 years old female Mother of Abdul, Suhaib, Yahya, and Osama killed
Abdul Rahman Al Hadidi عبد الرحمن الحديدي
7 years old male killed
Suhaib Al Hadidi صهيب الحديدي
12 years old male killed
Yahya Al Hadidi يحيى الحديدي
11 years old male killed
Osama Al Hadidi أسامة الحديدي
5 years old male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • (8 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    15
  • 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 (98) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (81) [ collapse]

  • Home in Al Shati camp destroyed by Israeli strikes on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by Alaraby News)
  • Loved ones mourn children killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by Anadolu Agency)
  • Without any warning or precedent, the Israeli occupation bombed a house in Al-Shati refugee camp, west of Gaza City, at dawn on Saturday, carrying out a horrific massacre that is added to its record of massacres, which resulted in 10 martyrs, including 8 children and two women.
  • Image of baby Omar Al Hadidi, pulled from the rubble in critical condition following strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by Alnaba News)
  • At dawn today, Saturday, Israeli warplanes launched a series of violent raids on the Gaza Strip, which left 13 Palestinians dead, including 8 children and two women. Most of them fell in the Shati refugee camp, west of Gaza City. Fifteen others were wounded, and rescue operations are still continuing.
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Very graphic images of the children killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @EyadKandeel1)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Very graphic images of the children killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @EyadKandeel1)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Very graphic images of the children killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @EyadKandeel1)
  • Funeral for the 10 women and children killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @RassdNews)
  • Funeral for the 10 women and children killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @RassdNews)
  • Funeral for the 10 women and children killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @RassdNews)
  • Image of baby Omar Al Hadidi, pulled from the rubble in critical condition and now in a leg cast following strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @seedra29p)
  • Siblings of baby Omar Al Hadidi that were killed in strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @seedra29p)
  • Burial of the 10 women and children killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @qudsn)
  • Burial of the 10 women and children killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @qudsn)
  • Burial of the 10 women and children killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @qudsn)
  • Father of baby Omar reunited with his child after his whole family is killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by Al Jazeera)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • Funeral for the 10 women and children killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by Trt arabi)
  • Funeral for the 10 women and children killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @RassdNewsN)
  • Funeral for the 10 women and children killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @RassdNewsN)
  • Rescue crews search through the rubble for survivors following strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @omali3131)
  • Father of baby Omar reunited with his child after his whole family is killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @Aboudwahidi)
  • Father of baby Omar reunited with his child after his whole family is killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @Aboudwahidi)
  • Abdul, Suhaib, Yahya, and Osama Al Hadidi, killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @Omar_Madaniah)
  • Image of baby Omar Al Hadidi, pulled from the rubble in critical condition and bring treated in a hospital following strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @alqudsnewspaper)
  • Image of baby Omar Al Hadidi, pulled from the rubble in critical condition and bring treated in a hospital following strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @alqudsnewspaper)
  • Image of baby Omar Al Hadidi, pulled from the rubble in critical condition and bring treated in a hospital following strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @alqudsnewspaper)
  • Image of baby Omar Al Hadidi, pulled from the rubble in critical condition and bring treated in a hospital following strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @alqudsnewspaper)
  • Youssef Abu Hatab, killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @Farid_Ahm7d)
  • Rubble in Al Shati camp following Israeli strikes on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @elhasani_yousef)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Very graphic images of the children killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by Sharef Suliman Al Farhta via Facebook)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Very graphic images of the children killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by Sharef Suliman Al Farhta via Facebook)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Very graphic images of the children killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by Sharef Suliman Al Farhta via Facebook)
  • Home of Hatab family, destroyed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by Ahamd Al Ashi via Facebook)
  • Maryam, Yamen, Youssef, Bilal Al Hatab, killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by Mohannad Halil via Facebook)
  • Rescue crews search through the rubble for survivors following strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @PalinfoAr)
  • Image of baby Omar Al Hadidi, pulled from the rubble in critical condition and bring treated in a hospital following strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by Paltimes2015 via Facebook)
  • Image of baby Omar Al Hadidi, pulled from the rubble in critical condition and bring treated in a hospital following strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by Paltimes2015 via Facebook)
  • The moment Muhammad al-Hadidi got acquainted with his wife and martyr children at Al-Shifa Hospital upon their arrival after the occupation bombed their home in Al-Shati Camp at dawn today
  • Image of the children killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by Shehab via Facebook)
  • Mariyam Abu Hatab, killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by Mohannad Hilal via Facebook)
  • Bilal Abu Hatab, killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by Mohannad Hilal via Facebook)
  • Yamen Abu Hatab, killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by Mohannad Hilal via Facebook)
  • Abdul, Suhaib, Yahya, and Osama Al Hadidi, killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by Al Shati camp via Facebook)
  • Abdul, Suhaib, Yahya, and Osama Al Hadidi, killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by Mr Abood via Facebook)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • Funeral for the 10 women and children killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @activestills)
  • Rubble from Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @activestills)
  • Funeral for the 10 women and children killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @activestills)
  • Kids injured in Israeli attack carried out to home of Palestinian Abu Khatab Familiy living in Al-Shati Camp in Gaza Strip, receive treatment at Shifa Hospital on May 15, 2021 (Image posted by Anadolu Agency)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Gazans injured in Israeli attack carried out to home of Palestinian Abu Khatab Familiy living in Al-Shati Camp in Gaza Strip, receive treatment at Shifa Hospital on May 15, 2021 (Image posted by Anadolu Agency)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Gazans injured in Israeli attack carried out to home of Palestinian Abu Khatab Familiy living in Al-Shati Camp in Gaza Strip, receive treatment at Shifa Hospital on May 15, 2021 (Image posted by Anadolu Agency)
  • Gazans injured in Israeli attack carried out to home of Palestinian Abu Khatab Familiy living in Al-Shati Camp in Gaza Strip, receive treatment at Shifa Hospital on May 15, 2021 (Image posted by Anadolu Agency)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Gazans injured in Israeli attack carried out to home of Palestinian Abu Khatab Familiy living in Al-Shati Camp in Gaza Strip, receive treatment at Shifa Hospital on May 15, 2021 (Image posted by Anadolu Agency)
  • Gazans injured in Israeli attack carried out to home of Palestinian Abu Khatab Familiy living in Al-Shati Camp in Gaza Strip, receive treatment at Shifa Hospital on May 15, 2021 (Image posted by Anadolu Agency)
  • Palestinians gather as rescuers search for victims at the site of a house destroyed by Israeli airstrikes at the Shati refugee camp in Gaza City, May 15, 2021.Photo:Xinhua
  • Yahya Mohammad Sobhi al-Hadidi, killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by DCI Palestine)
  • Suheib al-Hadidi, killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by the New York Times)
  • Osama al-Hadidi, killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by the New York Times)
  • Abdul Rahman Al Hadidi, killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by the New York Times)
  • Bilal Abu Hatab, killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by the New York Times)
  • Mariyam Abu Hatab, killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by the New York Times)
  • Youssef Abu Hatab, killed in Israeli strikes on Al Shati camp on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by New York Times)
  • Alaa Abu Hatab and his 4-year-old daughter Maria were the only members of a family of 7 to survive after their house was destroyed by Israeli attacks [Getty]

Geolocation notes (4) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a residential building being struck in the Al Shati camp (مخيم الشاطئ). Analyzing visual material from sources, we have narrowed down the location to these exact coordinates: 31.528524, 34.446008.

  • Reports of the incident mention a residential building being struck in the Al Shati camp (مخيم الشاطئ).

    Imagery:
    Planet

  • Distribution of tags in available satellite imagery.

    Imagery:
    Planet

  • Tagged visual material from sources.

    Imagery:
    @activestills

  • Tagged visual evidence in panoramic stitch of material from sources.

    Imagery:
    Al Araby

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Israeli Military

"During the night, the IDF attacked a number of senior members of the terrorist organization Hamas in an apartment that serves as a terrorist infrastructure in the area of ​​the Shati refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip...The IDF takes precautions to minimize possible harm to civilians during its military activity."

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    10
  • (8 children2 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    15
  • 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 (98) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT069

Incident date

May 15, 2021

Location

قيزان أبو رشوان, Qizan Abu Rashwan, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.329006, 34.283700 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between one and seven civilians were injured in alleged Israeli airstrikes on the Qizan Rashwan area on May 15th, 2021.

Multiple sources report a strike on a naval facility in the vicinity of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on Saturday 15 May 2021, amongst a series of strikes on the area.

Multiple sources suggest that the facility was in the Qizan Rashwan area between Khan Yunis and Rafah, while one source described it as a ‘marine rest house’.

The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) and others described the strike as a drone strike, carried out around 14:00 that day.

PCHR have also reported that one person was seriously injured as a result of the strike, “an Israeli drone fired a missile at al-Qararah Municipality in northern Khan Younis. As a result, a person sustained serious wounds and was taken to Naser Hospital.” Al Mezan was alone in reporting seven injuries, although it is unclear if this figure has been collated from all strikes in southern Gaza that day, of which there were multiple. Elbalad also reported injuries but did not provide a number.

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

In an official press statement, the IDF on the 15th May stated: ” IDF fighter jets struck the house of Tisar Mevasher, commander of the Hamas ‘Karrara’ Battalion in Khan Yunis, and the house of Azi Tama’a, commander of the Hamas ‘Central Camps’ Brigade in Deir al-Balah. Both houses served as military infrastructure for the Hamas terror organization.” It is unclear at this time if this strike is referencing this event.

The incident occured at 14:00:00 local time.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    None known
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–7
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Suspected attacker
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Image of a strike on Khan Younis on May 15, 2021. (Image posted by @SyedWaqax5)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the Qizan Abu Rashwan (قيزان أبو رشوان) area, for which the generic coordinates are: 31.329006, 34.283700. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Reports of the incident mention the Qizan Abu Rashwan (قيزان أبو رشوان) area.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
  • position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

[18:52, 5/15/2021] IDF News Desk: IDF:

IDF strikes the houses of the commanders of the Hamas 'Central Camps' Brigade and the Hamas 'Karrara' Battalion, both of which served as Hamas military infrastructure

Earlier today, IDF fighter jets struck the house of Tisar Mevasher, commander of the Hamas 'Karrara' Battalion in Khan Yunis, and the house of Azi Tama'a, commander of the Hamas 'Central Camps' Brigade in Deir al-Balah. Both houses served as military infrastructure for the Hamas terror organization.

Damage to these infrastructures dealt a blow to the military capabilities of the Hamas terror organization.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    None known
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–7
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Suspected attacker
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT070

Incident date

May 15, 2021

Location

المغازي, Al Maghazi, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.423444, 34.387658 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One man was killed in an alleged Israeli drone strike while riding a motorcycle in the central part of the Gaza Strip on Saturday, 15 May 2021.

Multiple sources have confirmed the death of Zaher Attia Muhammad Anbar, aged 37- 39, with the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR), Al Mezan and the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center (MAITIC) reporting the event as a drone strike. Sources differ on the precise location of the strike, but suggest that it took place to the east of the al-Maghazi and al-Bureij refugee camps, which neighbour one another, between 13:00 and 14:30.

A tweet from @AmjadAm71123770 reported that Anbar was the owner of a farm. PCHR added that after he was killed, he was taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir Al-Balah.

Anbar was from the Nuseirat refugee camp and was affiliated with Fatah, who published a mourning notice for the man. One other source also described Anbar as a member of the ‘Al Aqsa brigade’.

The IDF News Desk made the following statement at 20:27 the same day: “IDF locates and eliminates two Surface-to-Surface missile operatives belonging to the Islamic Jihad. A short while ago, IDF aircraft eliminated two Islamic Jihad Surface-to-Surface missile operatives located in Khan Yunis, and in the Meghazi refugee camp.” It is possible that this statement relates to the same strike event; in which case, the IDF’s opinion is that the man killed was affiliated with Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The IDF also posted a video of the strikes, although it is inconclusive.

All of the sources that identified a responsible party attributed the strikes to Israel.

The incident occured between 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • (0–1 men)
  • 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
  • Belligerents reported killed
    0–2

Sources (32) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (16) [ collapse]

  • Image of Zaher Atya Anbar, 37, killed by an Israeli airstrike that targeted his motorcycle, in Al Bureij refugee camp. (Image posted by @fidaazaanin)
  • Damage to Zaher Atya Anbar's motorcycle following strikes while he was riding in Al Bureij refugee camp. (Image posted by @fidaazaanin)
  • Image of Zaher Atya Anbar, 37, killed by an Israeli airstrike that targeted his motorcycle, in Al Bureij refugee camp. (Image posted by @AmjadAm71123770)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic mage of Zaher Atya Anbar, 37, killed by an Israeli airstrike that targeted his motorcycle, in Al Bureij refugee camp. (Image posted by Nidal.anber via Facebook)
  • Central Region (Fatah Movement) posted a memorial for Zaher Atya Anbar, whom they identified as a heroic martyr.
  • Funeral for Zaher Atya Anbar, 37, killed by an Israeli airstrike that targeted his motorcycle, in Al Bureij refugee camp. (Image posted by Abo Mohammad via Facebook)
  • Funeral for Zaher Atya Anbar, 37, killed by an Israeli airstrike that targeted his motorcycle, in Al Bureij refugee camp. (Image posted by Abo Mohammad via Facebook)
  • Funeral for Zaher Atya Anbar, 37, killed by an Israeli airstrike that targeted his motorcycle, in Al Bureij refugee camp. (Image posted by Abo Mohammad via Facebook)
  • The funeral of the martyr Zaher Anbar Abu Attia
  • Funeral for Zaher Atya Anbar, 37, killed by an Israeli airstrike that targeted his motorcycle, in Al Bureij refugee camp. (Image posted by Nawajha.tamer via Facebook)
  • Funeral for Zaher Atya Anbar, 37, killed by an Israeli airstrike that targeted his motorcycle, in Al Bureij refugee camp. (Image posted by Nawajha.tamer via Facebook)
  • Funeral for Zaher Atya Anbar, 37, killed by an Israeli airstrike that targeted his motorcycle, in Al Bureij refugee camp. (Image posted by Nawajha.tamer via Facebook)
  • Funeral for Zaher Atya Anbar, 37, killed by an Israeli airstrike that targeted his motorcycle, in Al Bureij refugee camp. (Image posted by Nawajha.tamer via Facebook)
  • Funeral for Zaher Atya Anbar, 37, killed by an Israeli airstrike that targeted his motorcycle, in Al Bureij refugee camp. (Image posted by Nawajha.tamer via Facebook)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a vehicle being struck in the vicinity of Al Maghazi (المغازي) camp, for which the generic coordinates are: 31.423444, 34.387658. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Israeli Military

IDF locates and eliminates two Surface-to-Surface missile operatives belonging to the Islamic Jihad. A short while ago, IDF aircraft eliminated two Islamic Jihad Surface-to-Surface missile operatives located in Khan Yunis, and in the Meghazi refugee camp

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • (0–1 men)
  • 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
  • Belligerents reported killed
    0–2

Sources (32) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT072

Incident date

May 15, 2021

Location

شارع سوق الجمعة, Souq Al Jouma Street, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.496293, 34.469411 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Street level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to three people, potentially including one child, were killed and 13 others were injured in a pair of alleged Israeli airstrikes on the Friday Market (Souq al Juma’a) in Al Shujaiya, Gaza Strip on Saturday 15 May 2021.

Multiple sources report that the first strike hit a group of citizens around 1.30 p.m., killing Saif Al-Din Abu Al-Atta, aged 18, and wounding nine others; the second strike killed Muhammad Ahmed Attia Bahar, age reported between 17 and 22 by multiple sources, and wounded a further four civilians. On 3 June, one of those injured, Yahya Bassem Al-Ajla, aged 24, died as a result of his injuries.

B’Tselem provided testimony from Mahmoud al-‘Ar’ir, 24, Yihya’s cousin: On Saturday, 15 May 2021, at around 1:30 P.M., I was home. I went to my paternal aunt’s house, which is on a side street off the main street where Yihya lived. On the way, I met my paternal cousin Muhammad, 21, and stopped to chat with him. A few minutes later, I heard a very loud explosion. I ran to the site of the bombing on the main street and saw the missile had landed at the entrance to Yihya’s house. A small TV repair business next door had also been hit. On the road next to me was the body of the martyr Seif Hani Abu al-‘Ata. Not far from him lay Muhammad Bhar, who was still breathing. I rushed to Yihya’s house and saw some young guys carrying the brothers Majd and Muhammad al-‘Ajleh, Yihya and Seif Fadel Abu al-‘Ata. We gave them first aid on Yihya’s uncle’s bus. Two other wounded people were treated inside an Electric Company vehicle. Then we took all the martyrs and wounded people to a-Shifaa Hospital. I was shocked by the sight of the martyrs and the wounded people. They were all very badly injured. Yihya’s injury was particularly severe, he had shrapnel in his neck and back. Majd was also very badly injured in the head and stomach and is being treated at a hospital in Hebron. His brother Muhammad was injured in the legs and is still being treated at a-Shifaa Hospital. Muhammad a-Zaqut has medium-level injuries in the shoulder and leg. I wanted to visit Yihya in hospital, but he was unconscious and they wouldn’t let me see him. The hospital wanted to transfer him to al-Makassed Hospital in Jerusalem, but the Israelis didn’t approve it. I saw Seif Abu al-‘Ata and Muhammad a-Zaqut, who were doing well. I went to Yihya’s mother’s house, who’s my paternal aunt, to support her and see how she was doing. Yihya was my friend and we had a very strong bond. I hoped Yihya would recover and come home to his family, but it wasn’t meant to be. After 18 days in the ICU, on 3 June 2021 at 3:00 A.M., we were informed that he had passed away. I couldn’t believe it. I went immediately to my aunt’s house. All my relatives, neighbors and friends were there. My aunt, her husband and her sons were screaming and crying. I was heartbroken over my beloved friend Yihya. At 11:00 A.M., an ambulance brought his body home so we could say goodbye to him there. When I saw him, I fell to the floor and cried. I couldn’t touch him because I was in such shock. We took him to the mosque and there, I hugged and kissed him. All around, the mourners were wailing and everyone was crying over Yihya. Yihya was always smiling. When I looked at him after he died, it seemed like he was smiling. We’d been friends since we were little kids. We met every day and hung out together, at my place or at his. We would go out at night, and in the morning walk to the beach for sport. Now that he’s dead, I feel lonely. I’ve lost a very precious person. Life after his passing is a life without laughter or smiles. I still can’t believe I’ll never see him again.”

B’Tselem also provided testimony from Lubna Bhar, 50, a mother of six including Muhammad: “On Saturday, 15 May 2021, I was making lunch at my son ‘Atiyyah’s house. Muhammad was standing next to me and he said, “I love you, Mom.” He kissed me, headed downstairs and went out to buy some things at a shop nearby. It was 1:30 P.M. The moment he left, I heard a loud explosion. I screamed and called out, “Muhammad!” I looked out the window and saw dust and smoke on the street. I hurried downstairs and found Muhammad lying in the doorway, bleeding. I screamed for help, and Majdi came and picked him up. Muhammad was crying and saying, “I want Mom and Dad.” Majdi told him to recite the Shahadatain. Muhammad was taken to hospital in a private car, along with other martyrs and wounded people. It was a massacre at my son’s doorstep. The stairs were full of blood. I will never forget the sight. Majdi went with Muhammad to a-Shifaa Hospital, and I stayed home. My husband drove after them and every time I called him or my sons, they told me Muhammad was fine. But I sensed that he wasn’t okay, that I’d lost him. Two hours after he was injured, I went to the hospital, too. I sat by the entrance to the operating room, reading the Quran and praying for him. The doctors told me to pray because his condition was unstable. I still had hope. At 11:00 P.M., I suddenly heard Majdi shouting. I ran over to him and heard everyone saying Muhammad was dead. I saw Majdi lying over Muhammad’s body, crying and screaming, “Why did you let Muhammad go?!” I told the doctors to check on Muhammad, that maybe he was still alive. I felt I was losing my mind. I over up to Muhammad and screamed. I couldn’t believe what had happened. Only then, I saw my husband lying on the floor unconscious. The doctors were treating him. I fainted, too, and when I woke up I was told they’d already transferred Muhammad to the morgue. I went there and sat in front of the fridge for two hours, by Muhammad’s side. Then I hugged his body. I couldn’t say goodbye to him. I stayed there all night. At 6:00 A.M., I went back to Atiyyah’s house. They brought Muhammad’s body there so we could say goodbye to him. They laid him before me and I scattered flowers over him, hugged him and kissed his head and face. Then they took him away. I couldn’t say goodbye and ran after him along the road, holding onto him. Those were extremely difficult moments. My heart broke. I wish I had died instead of him. Since he died, life has turned black. He was my youngest son and the dearest to my heart.

The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center (MAITIC), an Israeli research organisation with links to the military and intelligence services, reported that Saif Al-Din Abu Al-Atta and Muhammad Ahmed Attia Bahar had been killed in an Israeli airstrike, although this does not constitute official acknowledgement of the strike by the IDF. B’Tselem added that “Seif a-Din Abu al-‘Ata was an operative with the Islamic Jihad military wing, but it is unknown whether he was the reason the military bombed the house.” However, none of the other sources mention that Seif was a member of a militant organization.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Yahya Bassem al-Ajla
24 years old male killed
Majd al-‘Ajleh
male injured
Muhammad al-‘Ajleh
male injured

The victims were named as:

Saif Al-Din Abu Al-Atta سيف الدين أبو العطا
18 years old male killed
Muhammad Ahmed Attia Bahar محمد بهار
17-22 years old male killed
Muhammad a-Zaqut
Age unknown injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • (1 child1–2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    13
  • 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
    0–1

Sources (42) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (16) [ collapse]

  • Saif Hani Abu Atta, killed in strikes on souq Al Joum’a street in Al Shujaiya neighborhood on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @fidaazaanin)
  • Nearby civilian following strikes on souq Al Joum’a street in Al Shujaiya neighborhood on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @AlmakdesyMedia)
  • Mourning civilians killed in souq Al Joum’a street in Al Shujaiya neighborhood on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by GazaNews via Facebook)
  • The martyrdom of my cousin Mohamed Ahmed Bahar
  • Muhammad Ahmed Attia Bahar, killed in strikes on souq Al Joum’a street in Al Shujaiya neighborhood on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by Abu Rajab, his cousin)
  • Muhammad Ahmed Attia Bahar, killed in strikes on souq Al Joum’a street in Al Shujaiya neighborhood on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by Anasm271 via Facebook)
  • Muhammad Ahmed Attia Bahar, killed in strikes on souq Al Joum’a street in Al Shujaiya neighborhood on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by ATia Abu Mohammad via Facebook)
  • Yahya Bassem al-Ajla, killed in strikes on souq Al Joum’a street in Al Shujaiya neighborhood on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @rdooan)
  • Funeral of Yahya Bassem al-Ajla, killed in strikes on souq Al Joum’a street in Al Shujaiya neighborhood on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by @rdooan)
  • Yahya Bassem al-Ajla, killed in strikes on souq Al Joum’a street in Al Shujaiya neighborhood on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by Alajla.family via Facebook)
  • Yahya Bassem al-Ajla, killed in strikes on souq Al Joum’a street in Al Shujaiya neighborhood on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by Alajla.family via Facebook)
  • Yahya Bassem al-Ajla, killed in strikes on souq Al Joum’a street in Al Shujaiya neighborhood on May 15th, 2021. (Image posted by the New York Times)
  • Yihya al-‘Ajleh, killed in strikes on a-Shuja'iyeh neighborhood on May 15, 2021. (Image posted by B'Tselem)
  • Lubna Bahar holding up her son's photos. Her son Muhammad Bhar was killed. Photo by Olfat al-Kurd, B'Tselem
  • Muhammad Bhar, killed in strikes on a-Shuja'iyeh neighborhood on May 15, 2021. (Image posted by B'Tselem)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention Al Montar street (شارع المنطار) known locally as the Souq Al Jouma street (شارع سوق الجمعة), located in Al Shujaiya (الشجاعية) neighborhood, for which the generic coordinates are: 31.496293, 34.469411. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Reports of the incident mention Al Montar street (شارع المنطار) known locally as the Souq Al Jouma street (شارع سوق الجمعة), located in Al Shujaiya (الشجاعية) neighborhood.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • (1 child1–2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    13
  • 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
    0–1

Sources (42) [ collapse]