Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

M21ISPT022

Incident date

May 12, 2021

Location

دوار حمودة, Hamoda Roundabout, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.529039, 34.514730 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between three and five civilians were killed and another was injured in alleged Israeli airstrikes on a car near the Hamouda roundabout in Beit Lahiya on May 12, 2021. Sources refer to most of the men killed as members of Fatah but there is no direct association between them and militant activities. Only one of the men was alleged to be a member of a militant organization, Hamas.

According to Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR), “at approximately 10:00, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a civilian car near Hamouda intersection, east of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip. As a result, four were killed in the car and another one was wounded. Those killed were identified as: Tal’at Jameel Mahmoud Aghah (34), ‘Atif ‘Abed al-Rahman Jum’a al-Barawi (47), Nael Khaled Yunis al-Barawi (22), Wael Mahmoud Fares Al-Ghoula (47).”

A tweet from @husam_k2 reported that there were “3 martyrs” in the bombing while @mohammedddaya1identified four people as being killed. @pl24online added that those killed were taken to the Indonesian Hospital.

B’Tselem collected testimony from a ‘Imad Jneid, 36, a father of three who was working on the farm at the time of the incident, who said “On Wednesday, 12 May 2021, I arrived in the morning and started to work as usual. I opened the water valves to water the crops. I heard the loud sound of drones all the time. I was afraid something would happen, so I went inside the administration building. About half an hour later, ‘Atef al-Barawi, a contractor who to comes to harvest the crops, called me. He asked me to open the gate, which is about 350 meters from the building. I rode there on a donkey cart. ‘Atef came in together with two farmers who work with him, Tal’at and Nael. They went in and started picking apricots by the gate. At the same time, Wael al-Ghula, one of the farmers who works on the farm, called and asked me to pick him up from a gas station about 700 meters away from the farm. In the end, ‘Atef went to get him and we all picked peaches together. After that, I went to water some other trees. On the way, I did some weeding and kept the weeds for the donkey. Suddenly, I heard a loud explosion and felt a sharp pain in my left hand and stomach. I called out for someone to help me. I looked over towards the others and saw Wael, Nael, Tal’at and ‘Atef lying on the ground. I tried to get up and go to them, but I only managed to walk a few meters before I fell. I grabbed the door of ‘Atef’s car to get up, but then another missile landed. I tried to get up but fell again, so I crawled on. Then a third missile landed next to me. I kept crawling until I got to the building. I looked down and saw I was bleeding. I called my cousin on my mother’s side, Luai Jneid. I told him what had happened, and he called an ambulance that took me to the Indonesian Hospital. I had surgery on my stomach and they removed some shrapnel. I was hospitalized for nine days and then discharged.”

While PCHR and various other sources, including @MyPalestine0, refer to those killed as civilians and Raya News called them farmers, their status is contested by other sources. A tweet from @gaza_report identifies “five faction members are killed when a missile targets their vehicle Hamouda Roundabout” and @elderofziyon tweeted that the four named above were “Fatah Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades members” but there is little evidence that a militant wing of Fatah is still active.

Various sources, including Fatah Al Asif themselves, identify between four and five of the victims as members of Fatah. Tal’at Jameel Mahmoud Aghah (34), ‘Atif ‘Abed al-Rahman Jum’a al-Barawi (47), Wael Mahmoud  Fares Al-Ghoula (47), and Nael Khaled Yunis al-Barawi (22) are specifically named as members of Fatah on the Fatah Al Asif News Network and also in a Facebook post by Abo Jihad but are not referred to as fighters or militants. The “Fatah in the east of Gaza” published a statement “mourning the hand of this hero Wael Mahmoud Al Ghoula” and added that he was “the dearest of its loyal sons who worked in the first uprising in the movement committees and cells.”

The Israeli Defense Forces also released a statement naming only one of the victims, Mahmoud Fares, as the “Head of the Mechanics Desk at the Research, Development and Manufacturing Project” for Hamas. However, a post by Ijdida Martyrs on Facebook identified Fares as a member of Fatah as well, pointing out that other members of Fatah spoke at his funeral and “the Al-Ghoula family extended their thanks and appreciation to the brothers in the Fatah movement”.

The Israeli Defense Forces verified that they killed at least one of the victims of the bombing, Mahmoud Fares. They also mentioned five additional names, who the IDF claimed were Hamas militants: Thafer Shu, Majhad Hadidi, Akram Al’ata, Hassan Aki, Kamal Qu’arika.

However, they did not identify any of the others killed in their statement. All other sources that attributed responsibility for the incident blames Israel for the strikes.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Tal’at Jameel Mahmoud Aghah طلعت جميل فهد ورش اغا
34 years old male killed
‘Atif ‘Abed al-Rahman Jum’a al-Barawi عاطف عبد الرحمن البراوي
47 years old male killed
Nael Khaled Yunis al-Barawi نائل خالد البراوي
22 years old male killed
Wael Mahmoud  Fares Al-Ghoula وائل الغولة
47 years old male killed
Imad Jneid عماد جنيد
36 years old male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 5
  • (3–4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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
    5–6

Sources (36) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (15) [ collapse]

  • Image of the car that was bombed in Hamouda roundabout in Beit Lahiya on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @Gaza_2021)
  • A statement from the Israeli Defense Force that identifies at least one of the victims of the bombing as a member of Hamas. (Image posted by the IDF)
  • Image of Atef Abdel Rahman Al-Barawi, an alleged member of the Fatah movement, was killed in strikes on a car in the Hamouda roundabout in Beit Lahiya on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Hayal Abdl Hamid via Facebook)
  • Image of Talaat Jamil Fahad, an alleged member of the Fatah movement, was killed in strikes on a car in the Hamouda roundabout in Beit Lahiya on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Hayal Abdl Hamid via Facebook)
  • Image of Nael Khaled Al-Barawi, an alleged member of the Fatah movement, was killed in strikes on a car in the Hamouda roundabout in Beit Lahiya on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Hayal Abdl Hamid via Facebook)
  • Bodies of the three men identified as members of Fatah, Tala'at, Atef, and Nael, killed in strikes on a car in the Hamouda roundabout in Beit Lahiya on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Abo Jihad via Facebook)
  • Image of Atef Abdel Rahman Al-Barawi, an alleged member of the Fatah movement, was killed in strikes on a car in the Hamouda roundabout in Beit Lahiya on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Hayal Abdl Hamid via Facebook)
  • Image of Nael Khaled Al-Barawi, an alleged member of the Fatah movement, was killed in strikes on a car in the Hamouda roundabout in Beit Lahiya on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Hayal Abdl Hamid via Facebook)
  • Image of Talaat Jamil Fahad, an alleged member of the Fatah movement, was killed in strikes on a car in the Hamouda roundabout in Beit Lahiya on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Hayal Abdl Hamid via Facebook)
  • Image of Wael Al-Ghoula (Abu Muhammad), an alleged member of Fatah or Hamas, was killed in strikes on a car in the Hamouda roundabout in Beit Lahiya on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Aoday Hara via Facebook)
  • Mourners attending the funeral of Wael Al-Ghoula (Abu Muhammad), an alleged member of Fatah or Hamas, who was killed in strikes on a car in the Hamouda roundabout in Beit Lahiya on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Ijdida Martyrs via Facebook)
  • Mourners attending the funeral of Wael Al-Ghoula (Abu Muhammad), an alleged member of Fatah or Hamas, who was killed in strikes on a car in the Hamouda roundabout in Beit Lahiya on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Ijdida Martyrs via Facebook)
  • 1 of 2: Wael Mahmoud Al Ghoula was allegedly killed when he was hit by an Israeli airstrike on May 12th 2021 (Image via Fatah movement east of Gaza, the area of the martyr Salah Khalaf Al-Shuja'iya / Facebook)
  • 2 of 2: Wael Mahmoud Al Ghoula was allegedly killed when he was hit by an Israeli airstrike on May 12th 2021 (Image via Fatah movement east of Gaza, the area of the martyr Salah Khalaf Al-Shuja'iya / Facebook)
  • Photo via The Palestinian National Liberation Movement "Fatah" Martyr Jamil Salman area on Facebook of Talat Jameel Agha, Atef Abdelrahman Al-Barawi and Nael Khaled Al-Barawi who were allegedly killed by an Israeli forces' airstrike on May 12th 2021.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a car being struck near Hamoda Roundabout (دوار حمودة) in Beit Lahiya (خان يونس) for which the generic coordinates are: 31.529039, 34.514730. Due to limited 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
Official source

Senior Hamas Terror Organization Officials Neutralized by the IDF:
Mahmoud Fares, as the "Head of the Mechanics Desk at the Research, Development and Manufacturing Project" for Hamas

Media
from belligerent (1) [ collapse]

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 5
  • (3–4 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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
    5–6

Sources (36) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT035

Incident date

May 12, 2021

Location

صالون الفسيس‎‎, Al Fasis barber shop (vicinity of Abu Qamar petrol station), the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.534473, 34.502821 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between two and four civilians, including two children, were injured in alleged Israeli airstrikes on a barber shop in Tal Al Za’tar on May 12, 2021.

A barber shop belonging to Ibrahim Al-Fasis in Tel Al-Zaatar was bombed by Israeli planes, according to various sources.

A post by Ehab Alda`afi on Facebook identified two light injuries in Awad mechanical workshop from the strikes.

Al Haq provided additional details that “at around 12:45 pm, IOF warplanes launched two missiles at Spike Salon in Tal Al-Zaatar neighborhood, Jabalia, North Gaza, moderately injuring 4 civilians, including 2 children.”

Al Mezan reported on an incident in Tal Al-Zaatar neighborhood occurring around the same time in which “an Israeli drone fired 5 missiles at Mahmoud Nimer Abu Mahmoud Jaser’s (71) 3-storey house near al-Basheer Mosque,” which resulted in damage to the home and no casualties. However, it is unclear if this is the same incident.

An image posted by Shadi on Facebook shows the damage to the barber shop from the strikes, which busted out the windows and damaged some of the equipment.

The incident was attributed to Israel by various sources.

The incident occured at approximately 12:45 pm local time.

Summary

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

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Damage to Ibrahim Al-Fasis' barber shop in Tel Al-Zaatar following strikes on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Shadi via Facebook)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Al Fasis barber shop (صالون  الفسيس‎‎) in the Tel Al Zaatar (تل الزعتر) neighbourhood of the Jabalia (جباليا) camp. Research shows that the barber shop is in the vicinity of the Abu Qamar petrol station (محطه ابو قمر), congruent with the location as described in sources from the incident. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The coordinates for the Abu Qamar petrol station are: 31.534473, 34.502821.

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

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT018

Incident date

May 12, 2021

Location

شارع المغربي, Al Maghribi Street, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.508528, 34.449762 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between three and six civilians, including a woman, were killed and between three and six others were injured in alleged Israeli airstrikes on a car traveling in al-Maghrabi on May 12, 2021.

According to the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, “at approximately 11:30, Israeli warplanes launched a missile at a civilian white Skoda car traveling on al-Moghrabi Street in central Gaza City.  As a result, 6 were killed, including the driver, a man and his wife who were inside the car, a civilian in front of his house and 2 other passers-by. Those killed were identified as the driver Mustafa Mazen Salem Kurdiyah (22); Sa’id Hashim Sa’id al-Hatu (67) and his wife Maysoun Zaki Hashem al-Hatou (55); Mansour Yousif Hasan al-Dreimly (66), who was in front of his house in the area; and Nader Mohammed al-Ghazali (47) along with his nephew ‘Abdulsalam Mahmoud Nabih al-Ghazali (28), who were also from the same area. Moreover, the children of Sa’id al-Hatou, Muhammed and Yara, were wounded.”

B’Tselem collected testimony from Muhammad al-Hittu, 28, whose parents were killed in the incident and who was injured: “On Wednesday, 12 May 2021, there were heavy airstrikes in our neighborhood, Tal al-Hawa, in Gaza City. We feared for our lives and decided to leave home. We called our friend Mustafa Kurdiyah, who’s a taxi driver, and he came to pick us up. He arrived at 10:30 A.M. and drove my parents, my sister Yara, 29, and me to my sister Rasha al-Wahidi’s house in the neighborhood of a-Sabra. We planned to stay with her for a few days, just until the war was over. We got to my sister’s house and the taxi stopped out front. It was about 11:00 A.M. My sister Yara got out of the taxi and went into the house. I took out a bag that had our clothes in it, handed it to my mother and took another bag with clothes out of the taxi, and then we both made our way to the front door. I was walking a few steps ahead of my mother. My father was waiting for the driver, Mustafa, to hand him another bag he’d just taken out of the taxi, and then I heard a loud blast behind me. There was shrapnel everywhere. From the force of the blast, I was blown into the entrance to my sister’s house. I was hit by shrapnel in the back, neck, left hand and left leg. I was bleeding and couldn’t see where my parents were and what had happened to them. A few seconds later, I heard another missile land very close to us, but I didn’t know where. I was focused on trying to see my parents. Then an ambulance arrived and the paramedics gave me first aid. I saw the bodies of my father and of Mustafa lying by the taxi. I saw people cover them over. I knew my father was dead. My mother rode with me in the ambulance. I heard one of the paramedics say her pulse was very weak. When we got to a-Shifaa Hospital, the paramedics took me to the ER to give me first aid and took my mother somewhere else. After two hours, some relatives came and told me my mother and father had passed away. I broke down and started screaming and crying. I was in shock. Why did they bomb us? We’re just civilians. I lost the people most precious to me, my mother and father. We were just going to shelter at my sister’s. We wanted to celebrate the holiday with her. My mother had made holiday food and we brought it with us, salted fish and holiday cookies. I was only discharged from hospital two days later. I couldn’t attend my parents’ funeral, didn’t say goodbye to them, and didn’t hug them. When I got home and they weren’t there, I started screaming and crying. I hugged my sister Yara and my brother Ibrahim. Yara broke down. She’s in a terrible mental state. She saw them lying there, bleeding, and couldn’t do anything.”

Early reporting, including a tweet from @InstaNewsAlerts, identified three civilians as being killed in the strikes. @hibshib4 tweeted that there were “4 martyrs and 6 injuries” in the bombing. Raya News reported that those killed were taken to Al-Shifa Hospital, where their deaths were officially announced.

The Los Angelas Times reported that the day they were killed, “Mayson Hatu, a 50-year-old Palestinian mother of two, was determined to celebrate this week’s start of Eid al-Fitr. As she always did, she got new outfits ready for the children, and prepared a festive dish called fesikh, or salty fermented fish. She, her husband and children planned to celebrate at the home of relatives who lived in another part of the city.” Since they couldn’t find a taxi, she and her 65-year-old husband, Saeed Hashem Hatu, asked a neighbor who owned a taxi to give them a lift. En route, the car was hit by an airstrike that killed the couple and neighbor Mustafa Kordia, the driver. Their two young children were injured. It got worse: A subsequent strike, as bystanders rushed toward the stricken vehicle to try to help, killed a 28-year-old man and a 47-year-old man, witnesses said.”

Al Mezan identified Nader Mohammed al-Ghazali and Abdelsalam Mahmoud al-Ghazali as being owners of a nearby shop.

B’Tselem collected testimony from Mu’awiyah al-Wahidi, 42, a father of two who owns a barbershop near the scene of the incident: On Wednesday, 12 May 2021, I went to my barbershop on al-Mughrabi Street in the a-Sabra neighborhood. At around 11:00 A.M., I was sitting at a tailor shop that my brother owns along with my neighbor, Nader al-Ghazali, by my barbershop. While we were sitting there, Nader’s cousin, ‘Abd a-Salam al-Ghazali, arrived and Nader went out to meet him. A minute after Nader stepped out, I heard a loud explosion outside the shop. I ran outside and saw that Nader had been hit in the chest and was bleeding. I saw his cousin had been killed. I looked around and saw a white Skoda that had been bombed, with martyrs inside. I went back to Nader and tried to carry him away from there. Across the street I saw our neighbor Mansur a-Darimli, whom we call Abu Rami, lying on the ground. I dragged Nader about 50 meters away and then I dropped him. Blood came out of his mouth. A woman called out to me from a balcony to tell him to recite the Shahadatain prayer, and he started saying, “There’s no God but Allah.” Then I heard another missile and it hit me. It was four or five minutes after the first missile. I also started reciting the Shahadatain. I didn’t know what was happening to me and where I’d been hit. They took me to a-Shifaa Hospital. The doctors amputated my right leg above the knee. I have shrapnel in my back and head. In my right leg, I have a large flesh wound. After seven days, I was transferred to al-‘Awda Hospital for further treatment and I’m still there. I was later told that my neighbor Nader, his cousin and my neighbor Mansur a-Darimli were all killed in the strike, along with the al-Hittu family, who were standing by a taxi, and their taxi driver.”

A relative of the driver that was killed verified to the LA Times that none of the passengers in the vehicle were militants. “Mahmoud Mazen Kordia, the 24-year-old brother of the slain driver, said his sibling had nothing to do with the militants and was only helping out a family he knew and liked. The Hatus, he said, “are our nice neighbors who couldn’t find a taxi in this war to take them to celebrate Eid.”

A post of Facebook from Saadi Hals indicated that Abdulsalam Mahmoud Nabih al-Ghazali was a member of Fatah referencing a press release issued by the Information and Culture Commission that stated “the martyr Al-Ghazali rose to Alia Al-Majd as a result of being directly bombarded by the Israeli occupation forces on Al-Mughrabi Street in Al-Sabra neighborhood.” However, they do not indicate that he was a member of any militant group. All other sources refer to those involved in the incident as civilians.

All of the sources that attributed the strikes blamed Israeli planes for the bombing.

The incident occured at approximately 11:30 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (4)

Sa’id Hashim Sa’id al-Hatu سعيد هاشم الحتو
67 years old male killed
Maysoun Zaki Hashem al-Hatou ميسون زكي هاشم الحتو
55 years old female Married to Said killed
Mohammed al-Hatu محمد الحية
male injured
Yara al-Hatu يارا الحية
injured

Family members (2)

Nader Mohammed al-Ghazali نادر محمد الغزالي
47 years old male killed
Abdulsalam Mahmoud Nabih al-Ghazali عبد السلام محمود الغزالي
28 years old male Nephew of Nader killed

The victims were named as:

Mustafa Mazen Salem Kurdiyah مصطفى مازن كردية-
22 years old male killed
Mansour Yousif Hasan al-Dreimly منصور يوسف حسن الدباري
66 years old male killed
Mu’awiyah al-Wahidi معاوية الوحيدي
42 years old male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 6
  • (1 woman2–5 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–6
  • 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 (37) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (24) [ collapse]

  • Image of Sa'eed Hashem Al hato, 65 with his wife Maysoon Al Hato, killed in strikes on their car as they drove on Al-Maghrabi Street on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @Betelgeuse100)
  • Image of Sa'eed Hashem Al hato, 65 who was killed alongside his wife Maysoon Al Hato, in strikes on their car as they drove on Al-Maghrabi Street on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @Betelgeuse100)
  • Image of the damage caused by strikes on a car and passer-bys on Al-Maghrabi Street on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @Betelgeuse100)
  • "The father of Palestinian man Abdulsalam Al-Ghazali, who was killed amid a flare-up of Israeli-Palestinian violence, reacts over his son's body during his funeral in Gaza City May 12, 2021. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem" (Image posted by @idreesali114)
  • Vehicle that was targeted a while ago by an IDF airstrike. #Gaza #Israel

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic images show the bodies of those killed lying in the street following airstrikes on their car while driving on Al-Maghrabi Street on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @JoeGaza93)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic images show the bodies of those killed lying in the street following airstrikes on their car while driving on Al-Maghrabi Street on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @JoeGaza93)
  • Image of the damaged vehicle caused by strikes on a car and passer-bys on Al-Maghrabi Street on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @MuathHumaid)
  • Mustafa Mazen Kurdiyah who was driving the car that was hit with airstrikes while on Al-Maghrabi Street on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Abo Mohammed Al Ghafari via Facebook)
  • Mustafa Mazen Kurdiyah who was driving the car that was hit with airstrikes while on Al-Maghrabi Street on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Mustafa Al Fahed via Facebook)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of Mustafa Mazen Kurdiyah who was driving the car that was hit with airstrikes while on Al-Maghrabi Street on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Mustafa Al Fahed via Facebook)
  • Abd al-Salam Mahmoud Nabih al-Ghazali, an alleged member of Fatah, who was killed when a nearby car was hit by airstrikes while on Al-Maghrabi Street on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Saadi Hals via Facebook)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of Abd al-Salam Mahmoud Nabih al-Ghazali, an alleged member of Fatah, who was killed when a nearby car was hit by airstrikes while on Al-Maghrabi Street on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Mohammed Salah via Facebook)
  • Abd al-Salam Mahmoud Nabih al-Ghazali, an alleged member of Fatah, who was killed when a nearby car was hit by airstrikes while on Al-Maghrabi Street on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Saadi Hals via Facebook)
  • Image of the damaged vehicle caused by strikes on a car and passer-bys on Al-Maghrabi Street on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Sohaib Abo Bashar)
  • Nader Muhammad Nabih Al-Ghazali, who was killed when a nearby car was hit by airstrikes while on Al-Maghrabi Street on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Saadi Hals via Facebook)
  • Mustafa Mazen Kurdiyah who was driving the car that was hit with airstrikes while on Al-Maghrabi Street on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Mustafa Al Fahed via Facebook)
  • Image of the damaged vehicle caused by strikes on a car and passer-bys on Al-Maghrabi Street on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @PalinfoAr)
  • Image of the damaged vehicle caused by strikes on a car and passer-bys on Al-Maghrabi Street on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @PalinfoAr)
  • Mu’awiyah al-Wahidi who was severely injured in strikes on al-Sabra neighborhood on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by B'Tselem)
  • Muhammad al-Hittu, 28, whose parents were killed and who was injured in strikes on a car in the al-Sabra neighborhood on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by B'Tselem)
  • Nader al-Ghazali, who was killed when a nearby car was hit by airstrikes while on Al-Maghrabi Street on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by B'Tselem)
  • ‘Abd a-Salam al-Ghazali, who was killed when a nearby car was hit by airstrikes while on Al-Maghrabi Street on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by B'Tselem)
  • Maysoun al-Hittu, who was killed when a nearby car was hit by airstrikes while on Al-Maghrabi Street on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by B'Tselem)

Geolocation notes (3) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a vehicle being struck on Al Maghribi street (شارع المغربي), in the city of Gaza (غَزَّة). Analyzing audio-visual material from sources we have narrowed down the location to these exact coordinates: 31.508528, 34.449762.

  • Reports of the incident mention a vehicle being struck on Al Maghribi street (شارع المغربي), in the city of Gaza (غَزَّة).

    Imagery:
    Planet

  • Tagged visual material from sources.

    Imagery:
    @JoeTruzman

  • Tagged visual material from sources.

    Imagery:
    @JoeTruzman

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
    3 – 6
  • (1 woman2–5 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–6
  • 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 (37) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT051

Incident date

May 13, 2021

Location

بيت لاهيا‎, Beit Lahia, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.557182, 34.499645 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between eight to nine civilians, including four children and two women, were killed and 33 others, including eight women and 10 children, were injured in alleged Israeli strikes on the Sheikh Zayed area of Beit Lahia on May 13, 2021.

Al Mezan reported that at 1:10am on 13 May 2021, the Israeli air forces fired 20 missiles at eight residential buildings on the main street in the middle of Beit Lahia City. Abdulrahim Mohammed Abdullah Al-Madhoun, 63, and his wife Halima Ali Mohammed Abu Sharakh (Al-Madhoun), 66 were both killed in the attack. In addition, thirty-three persons were injured, including eight women and ten children. At the time of reporting a number of people’s remains were thought to be under the rubble.

A Facebook post, by the Gaza Women’s Forum, reported that Dr. Taher Abdul Rahim Al-Madhoun was in intensive care after being pulled from the rubble. His mother and father, Abdulrahim and Halima, were both killed in the strike.

Hamza Abu Eltarabesh, Taher’s friend, wrote that Taher had recently started a job at the intensive care unit of the Indonesian Hospital, his sister and two brothers were studying medicine at Ain Shams University in Egypt. Hamza wrote: “A cousin of mine, Muhammad, who lives in the area [of the strikes], told me people could be heard screaming under the rubble of some of the targeted houses. Nine relatives who would normally have been there [with the Al Madhoun family] were spared, having spent the evening at a brother’s house.” Taher had been unable to open his eyes for two days. Upon his recovery, he told Hamza that his parents had rushed to his side when the strikes started and that he had watched them take their last breaths.

B’Tselem provided testimony from Taher al-Madhun, 28, whose father and his first wife were killed in the incident: “On 13 May 2021, at around 11:30 P.M., I was sitting in my room. My mother and my sister Maryam were at my sister Hanin’s. She’s also a doctor, and she was due to give birth. About an hour later, I heard people shouting outside and unusual movement on the street. I went to the window overlooking the main street of Beit Lahiya from the south, and saw men, women and children running along the street. Some of them were carrying clothes, and it looked like they were running from home. I went and woke my father up right away. I was about to go outside to see if we needed to evacuate, too. As soon as I opened the door, there was a strong blast and the stairs crashed. I went back inside immediately. My father and his wife Halimah were standing behind me. We were trapped in the apartment. I thought the bombing had ended, but a few minutes later, another missile landed on the house. The concrete and the walls fell on top of us. We recited the Shahadatain prayer. The door fell on me and shielded me from the debris and the concrete. My father and his wife were next to me, completely covered in rubble. At first, I could hear my father’s voice, but after two minutes, he fell silent. His wife Halimah told me he had been killed. I managed to call my cousin, and he called the Civil Defense and told them our house had been bombed. They arrived about half an hour later. I heard them ask if anyone was alive. I answered yes and that we were having a hard time breathing because of the rubble, smoke and dust. It took an hour until they managed to pass an oxygen tube to me, which helped me breathe, and another three hours before they managed to get me out. They took me to the Indonesian Hospital, where I had tests and X-rays. It turned out I had four fractured ribs, a tear in the right lung, and hemorrhaging in the lung membrane. I also had contusions, bruises and scratches all over my body. The tests showed I had torn muscles, too. I was in the ICU for a week….I was supposed to get married after ‘Eid al-Fitr. I had already fixed up the apartment. I worked every day with my father to get it ready and prepare for the wedding. Now, I’ve now canceled the marriage ceremony…We lost everything. The apartment I built cost 20,000 USD. The value of the rest of the apartments that were destroyed comes to about 150,000 USD.”

@andlusy reported that prior to the strikes, Abdul Rahim and his wife Halima were celebrating Eid together and had just laid out their laundry on the roof.

In the same series of strikes, Raafat Al-Tanani, his four-month pregnant wife and their four children were killed in their home located in the vicinity of Sheikh Zayed Towers, east of Beit Lahia. Anadolu Agency reported that their dream was to buy a house.

The body of an unidentified girl was also recovered from the rubble. At the time of reporting, rescuers were searching for four possible victims thought to still be under the rubble.

A Facebook post, by the Association of the Sons of the Beit Lahia, provided the name of Raafat’s wife, Rawiya Fathi Hassan Al-Tanani, and their children, Ismail, Adham, Amir, and Mohammed. @saedswerky_RT provided the ages of those killed: Raafat Muhammad Ismail Atta Al-Tanani (39), Rawya Fathi Hassan Al-Tanani (35), Ismail Raafat Muhammad Al-Tanani (7), Adham Raafat Muhammad Al-Tanani (6), Amir Raafat Muhammad Al-Tanani (5), Muhammad Raafat Muhammad Al-Tanani (4).

According to @WeAreNotNumbers, Rafaat Al Tanani had worked hard at a series of part-time jobs in order to support his family, despite his struggles he was optimistic for the future. His last words to one of his relatives were “things are going to be okay so soon”.

B’Tselem also provided testimony from Hatem a-Tanani, 30, father of two who lost his brother, sister-in-law and four nephews in the incident: On Thursday, I was visiting friends at Jabalya Refugee Camp. A friend of my brother Raafat’s called me a little before midnight and asked me to call Raafat. There were bombings all over the Gaza Strip at the time, and he was worried something might have happened to him. I called my brother right away. Raafat answered, and I heard him shouting, “Help!” I got up and ran towards his house. I kept talking to him as I was running. I told him: “Don’t worry, I’ll be there in seconds.” He said, “Help!” again. Halfway there, I heard a several very strong blasts. The call with Raafat got cut off. I tried calling him again, but he didn’t answer. I got to a-Ribat Mosque, which is 500 meters away from Raafat’s home. There was dust everywhere. I took my shirt off and wrapped it around my face so I could go on. When I came close, I saw his building was nothing but rubble and stones. I went towards it. People were running away from there, and I passed by them. I stood on the rubble and couldn’t recognize my brother’s building, because everything was in ruins. I heard voices below me. Then, some paramedics and Civil Defense people came. Everyone who was there tried to help, and we all tried to find survivors under the rubble. I started looking. We found the al-Malfuh family. There were six of them. We got them out, and they were okay. I heard another voice. I felt relieved because I thought it might be Raafat and his sons. It turned out to be the al-Madhun family. There were two martyrs there. At 3:30 A.M., we stopped searching and walked about ten meters away from there. I spoke to the Civil Defense people and told them my brother, his wife and their sons were still under the rubble. I started looking for them in the fields near the house, but I couldn’t find anyone. I went to three hospitals in the area. I thought I might find my brother and his family there, but they weren’t there either. I talked to my parents and told them everything was okay, that Raafat was next to me and that he was okay. At around 5:00 A.M., I went to my sister Asmaa’s (36). Her house is close to Raafat’s. When she saw me, she hardly recognized me, I was exhausted and covered in dust and dirt. I didn’t tell her Raafat had been killed, but just told her to pray for him and for his family. In the morning, I went back to the wreckage of Raafat’s house and looked for them everywhere, but to no avail. I went home to my parents. I still didn’t tell them we couldn’t find Raafat and his family. We had breakfast, and then I went to Raafat’s house again and met some relatives there. I was physically and mentally exhausted. I sat down far from the house and called the Civil Defense. They came with special equipment for locating bodies and started working. I was there with friends and neighbors, and we looked for the bodies.

We were there all day, and we didn’t find the bodies until the middle of the night. They took out the body of my nephew Amir. I picked him up and put him in the ambulance. Then we pulled out Muhammad, then Isma’il, and in the end, Adham. When we found them, Raafat had his arms around Isma’il and Amir, and his wife Rawyah had her arms around Muhammad and Adham. Then we took out Rawyah’s body. It was dismembered. I got a tarp, and we got her out. She was three months pregnant. I carried her to the ambulance. Finally, we got Raafat out. His body was removed in two stages, because it was also in pieces. Everyone was taken to the Indonesian Hospital. The next day, I went to the hospital with my father. The medical team there prepared the bodies of Raafat and his family. I wanted to help them. I took the pieces of Raafat’s body and wrapped him up. I did the same with the little kids. My father gathered Rawyah’s body parts and wrapped her. I held the pieces of the martyrs’ bodies and recited, “Allah Akbar”. We put the wrapped bodies in an ambulance and drove home. I laid the bodies of Rawyah and the children in front of my mother and sisters, but I couldn’t place Raafat’s body in front of them. I left him in the ambulance. I took my mother to say goodbye to him. She screamed and cried. Her state was indescribable. In those moments, I stayed strong so my family wouldn’t fall apart, especially my father and mother. I went to the cemetery. The family stayed home. I put Muhammad’s body next to his mother, and Adham’s next to his father, and Isma’il and Amir together. I went home shrouded in sadness. I was hoping I would cry, but I couldn’t. We lost a whole family that did nothing. The Israeli army bombed them, and they turned into dismembered bodies.”

Khaled Al-Malbouh, who lived in the same building as both the Al-Tanani family and the Al-Madhoun family, told Teller Report how two large pieces of concrete had formed a dome over her six family members, preventing debris from falling on them.  Khaled, 25, had just gone to the balcony to fetch his clothes when the strikes occurred. He told Al-Jazeera Net: “Without thinking I threw myself at my mother and hugged her to protect her, my sister and her children were next to us, we all sat in the corner of a room. When the rockets were falling profusely my mother said – and her arms were barely expanding for all of us – “Let us die with some of the best.”

Shortly after the strike, ambulance and civil defense crews rescued the Al-Malbouh family. Khaled was injured in the back, not seriously, his mother [Umm Khaled Al-Malbouh] suffered fractures to her legs, his sister Alaa and her children Muhammad (3 years) and Zina (2 years) were also injured. They were admitted to the Indonesian Hospital for treatment.

Khaled told Teller Report that just before the strikes: “I met my neighbor Raafat [killed in the strikes] who was afraid of the “frenzied Israeli targeting” of residential homes. He was reassured and we parted, and I did not know that he smelled death and breathed his last breath in life.”

Rabah al-Madhoun, the owner of the building that the al-Madhoun and Al Tanani families lived in, told The National that there had been no time to evacuate. “My neighbour received a call telling him that the building would be targeted,” Mr. Al Madhoun said. “He came to warn us but the air strikes started immediately – people didn’t have time to evacuate.”

Mr. Al Madhoun told AI Monitor: “I buried my cousins [Abdul Rahim and his wife Halima], and I am now searching for the other bodies under the rubble.” According to @mariamelrass, it took 17 hours for rescue crews to exhume the bodies of the Al-Tanani family. The funeral of the Al-Tanani family took place on Friday morning at the Al-Qassam Mosque in the Beit Lahia, the day after they were removed from the rubble. Al Jazeera reported that at the funeral the grandfather looked down at his grandchildren and said: “Who will go to school and answer his books and notebooks?”

Hatem Al-Tanani, the brother of Raafat, who was killed in the strikes, told Anadolu Agency: “My brother’s house was directly targeted, with a number of missiles, and without warning.” He added that during the strike he was on the phone with his brother, whose final words had been: “Hurry me, brother, catch me, brother.”

Damage from the strike resulted in the complete destruction of nine buildings, including; residential units, commercial shops, corporate offices, the offices of Faten – Palestine for Credit and Development, the offices of a legal practice and an educational center. The attack also caused damage to road networks and infrastructure, including electricity and communication, water and sanitation. A significant number of adjacent houses also sustained damage, including substantial damage to six residential buildings.

A tweet by @hstons2 included a list of families whose homes were affected by the strikes (Al-Sharafi, Al-Azraq, Al-Zara’a, Al-Madhoun, Abu Safiya, Felfel, Al-Maflouh) and the headquarters of Palestine University.

Maan News quoted an aunt of the Al-Tanani family as saying: “Airplanes bombed insanely, the bombing is very intense”. According to the relative, the family had wanted to flee but weren’t able to.

CBS News reported that Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, an Israeli military spokesman, said the operation involved tank fire and airstrikes. The aim of the strikes had been to destroy a tunnel network beneath Gaza City, refers to as “the Metro”, used by militants to evade surveillance and airstrikes. “As always, the aim is to strike military targets and to minimize collateral damage and civilian casualties,” he said. “Unlike our very elaborate efforts to clear civilian areas before we strike high-rise or large buildings inside Gaza, that wasn’t feasible this time.”

B’Tselem reported that “A Hamas military operative lives in a nearby building. He was not home at the time. It is not known whether that was the reason for the strike on the building.”

The incident occured at approximately 1:10 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Halima Ali Mohammed Abu Sharakh (Al-Madhoun) حليمة علي محمد المدهون
66 years old female killed
Abdulrahim Mohammed Abdullah Al-Madhoun عبد الرحيم محمد المدهون
63 years old male killed
Dr. Taher Abdul Rahim Al-Madhoun طاهر عبد الرحيم المدهون
Adult male son of Abdulrahim and Halima injured

Family members (6)

Raafat Muhammad Ismail Atta Al-Tanani رأفت محمد اسماعيل عطا الطناني
39 years old male killed
Rawya Fathi Hassan Al-Tanani راوية فتحي حسن الطناني
35 years old female pregnant killed
Ismail Raafat Muhammad Al-Tanani اسماعيل رأفت محمد الطناني
7 years old killed
Adham Raafat Muhammad Al-Tanani ادهم رأفت محمد الطناني
6 years old killed
Amir Raafat Muhammad Al-Tanani امير رأفت محمد الطناني
5 years old killed
Muhammad Raafat Muhammad Al-Tanani محمد رأفت محمد الطناني
4 years old killed

Family members (5)

Umm Khaled Al-Malbouh أم خالد الملبوح
Adult female suffered fractures in her legs injured
Khaled Al-Malbouh خالد الملبوح
25 years old male injured in the back, not seriously injured
Alaa Al-Malbouh على الملبوح
Khaled's sister injured
Muhammad Al-Malbouh مُحَمَّد الملبوح
3 years old Child of Alaa injured
Zina Al-Malbouh زينه الملبوح
2 years old Child of Alaa injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 9
  • (4–5 children2 women2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    33
  • 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 (100) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (76) [ collapse]

  • Destruction caused by airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by @mohamed_mdn)
  • Destruction caused by airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by @mohamed_mdn)
  • Rescue efforts to find victims of airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by @mohamed_mdn)
  • Rescue efforts to find victims of airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by @mohamed_mdn)
  • Rescue efforts to find victims of airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by @mohamed_mdn)
  • Destruction caused by airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Rmix News)
  • A child injured in airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Ahmed.madhon via Facebook)
  • Image of Abdulrahim Mohammed Abdullah Al-Madhoun, killed in airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Mazin.almadhon via Facebook)
  • Image of Abdulrahim Mohammed Abdullah Al-Madhoun, killed in airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Husain Almadhoun via Facebook)
  • "Abdul Karim Al-Madhoun (Abu Abdullah) and his brothers advance My deepest condolences and sympathy from the honorable mother, the family of Uncle Abdul Rahim, and the maternal and aunts Bast..the testimony of uncle Abu Al-Taher and his wife Head: Abdul Rahim Muhammad Al Madhoun The martyr: Hajar Ali Al-Madhoun (Abu Sharkh)" Image posted by AlMadhounSupermarket via Facebook)
  • Dr. Taher Abdul Rahim Al-Madhou, son of Abdulrahim and Halima who were killed, as being injured in the strikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Gaza women's forum channel via Facebook)
  • Destruction caused by airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Mhmd Almadhoun, cousin of the deceased Abdulrahim)
  • Destruction caused by airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Mhmd Almadhoun, cousin of the deceased Abdulrahim)
  • Destruction caused by airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Mhmd Almadhoun, cousin of the deceased Abdulrahim)
  • Destruction caused by airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Mhmd Almadhoun, cousin of the deceased Abdulrahim)
  • Destruction caused by airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Mhmd Almadhoun, cousin of the deceased Abdulrahim)
  • Destruction caused by airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Mhmd Almadhoun, cousin of the deceased Abdulrahim)
  • Destruction caused by airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Mhmd Almadhoun, cousin of the deceased Abdulrahim)
  • Efforts to sort through the rubble and find victims of the strikes on Sheikh Zayed area in Beit Lahia on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Association of the sons of the Beit Lahia project)
  • Efforts to sort through the rubble and find victims of the strikes on Sheikh Zayed area in Beit Lahia on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Association of the sons of the Beit Lahia project)
  • Efforts to sort through the rubble and find victims of the strikes on Sheikh Zayed area in Beit Lahia on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Association of the sons of the Beit Lahia project)
  • Efforts to sort through the rubble and find victims of the strikes on Sheikh Zayed area in Beit Lahia on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Association of the sons of the Beit Lahia project)
  • Efforts to sort through the rubble and find victims of the strikes on Sheikh Zayed area in Beit Lahia on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Shihab Post via Facebook)
  • Efforts to sort through the rubble and find victims of the strikes on Sheikh Zayed area in Beit Lahia on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Shihab Post via Facebook)
  • Efforts to sort through the rubble and find victims of the strikes on Sheikh Zayed area in Beit Lahia on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Shihab Post via Facebook)
  • Al-Tanani family, may God reward you We count God and yes agent, our hearts are with you 💔 #influential Find the children of the Al-Tanani family while saying goodbye to his 6 grandchildren who rose
  • Destruction caused by airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Msdr News)
  • Rescue crews carry a body of one of the victims from the rubble after airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Msdr News)
  • Destruction caused by airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Msdr News)
  • Rescue crews pull a body of one of the child victims from the rubble after airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Msdr News)
  • Destruction caused by airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Msdr News)
  • Rescuers work to exhume the bodies following airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by @ayatshe3)
  • Rescue crews trying to exhume victims from the rubble after airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by @abn_gaza90)
  • Rescue crews carry a body of one of the victims from the rubble after airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by @abn_gaza90)
  • Rescue crews carry a body of one of the victims from the rubble after airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by @abn_gaza90)
  • Members of the Al Tanini family killed in airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by @MostfaouiAmine)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of children from the Al Tanini family that were killed in airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by @MostfaouiAmine)
  • Destruction caused by airstrikes on Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by @Youssef48952322)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Destruction caused by airstrikes on Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by @Youssef48952322)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of a child from the Al Tanini family that was killed in airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Maan News)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of a child from the Al Tanini family that was killed in airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Maan News)
  • Graphic image of a child from the Al Tanini family that was killed in airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Maan News)
  • Destruction caused by airstrikes on Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Al Jazeera)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • Victims of airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Alkofiya News)
  • Destruction caused by strikes in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Alaqaba Now)
  • A victim of the airstrikes being exhumed from the site in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Alaqaba Now)
  • Destruction caused by strikes in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Mabkhut99 via Facebook)
  • This is how Hajj Abu Raafat Al-Tanani bid farewell to his grandchildren, the martyrs.
  • Rescue crews trying to exhume victims from the rubble after airstrikes on the al-Madhoun home and other nearby buildings in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Shihab Post)
  • Destruction caused by strikes in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Shihab Post via Facebook)
  • Destruction caused by strikes in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Shihab Post via Facebook)
  • A child's shoe found in the pile of rubble caused by airstrikes on Beit Lahia on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by @GazaMassacres)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A Palestinian relative mourns over the bodies of four young brothers from the Al-tanani family who were found under the rubble of a destroyed house following Israeli airstrikes in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip, Friday, May 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)
  • A view from Indonesia Hospital morgue as people mourn in Beit Lahia, Gaza on May 14, 2021. Israeli warplanes, simultaneously with artillery and tanks, targeted the house of the Tanani family during the attacks on Beit Hanoun city in the north of the Gaza Strip last night. In the attack, all members of the family of 6 were killed, including a pregnant woman. The bodies were taken to the morgue of Indonesia Hospital in the city of Beit Lahia. ( Ali Jadallah - Anadolu Agency )
  • A view from Indonesia Hospital morgue as people mourn in Beit Lahia, Gaza on May 14, 2021. Israeli warplanes, simultaneously with artillery and tanks, targeted the house of the Tanani family during the attacks on Beit Hanoun city in the north of the Gaza Strip last night. In the attack, all members of the family of 6 were killed, including a pregnant woman. The bodies were taken to the morgue of Indonesia Hospital in the city of Beit Lahia. ( Ali Jadallah - Anadolu Agency )
  • A view from Indonesia Hospital morgue as people mourn in Beit Lahia, Gaza on May 14, 2021. Israeli warplanes, simultaneously with artillery and tanks, targeted the house of the Tanani family during the attacks on Beit Hanoun city in the north of the Gaza Strip last night. In the attack, all members of the family of 6 were killed, including a pregnant woman. The bodies were taken to the morgue of Indonesia Hospital in the city of Beit Lahia. ( Ali Jadallah - Anadolu Agency )

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A view from Indonesia Hospital morgue as people mourn in Beit Lahia, Gaza on May 14, 2021. Israeli warplanes, simultaneously with artillery and tanks, targeted the house of the Tanani family during the attacks on Beit Hanoun city in the north of the Gaza Strip last night. In the attack, all members of the family of 6 were killed, including a pregnant woman. The bodies were taken to the morgue of Indonesia Hospital in the city of Beit Lahia. ( Ali Jadallah - Anadolu Agency )

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A view from Indonesia Hospital morgue as people mourn in Beit Lahia, Gaza on May 14, 2021. Israeli warplanes, simultaneously with artillery and tanks, targeted the house of the Tanani family during the attacks on Beit Hanoun city in the north of the Gaza Strip last night. In the attack, all members of the family of 6 were killed, including a pregnant woman. The bodies were taken to the morgue of Indonesia Hospital in the city of Beit Lahia. ( Ali Jadallah - Anadolu Agency )

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A view from Indonesia Hospital morgue as people mourn in Beit Lahia, Gaza on May 14, 2021. Israeli warplanes, simultaneously with artillery and tanks, targeted the house of the Tanani family during the attacks on Beit Hanoun city in the north of the Gaza Strip last night. In the attack, all members of the family of 6 were killed, including a pregnant woman. The bodies were taken to the morgue of Indonesia Hospital in the city of Beit Lahia. ( Ali Jadallah - Anadolu Agency )
  • The grandmother and relatives of three children from the Al-Tanani family, killed in an Israeli airstrike, mourn over their bodies, before their burial in Beit Lahya in northern Gaza Strip, Palestine, May 14, 2021. (AFP Photo)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    EDS NOTE: GRAPHIC CONTENT - A Palestinian relative mourns over the bodies of four brothers from the Tanani family who were found under the rubble of a destroyed house following Israeli airstrikes in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip, Friday, May 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    EDS NOTE: GRAPHIC CONTENT - A Palestinian relative mourns over the bodies of four brothers from the Tanani family who were found under the rubble of a destroyed house following Israeli airstrikes in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip, Friday, May 14, 2021. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)
  • Destruction caused by strikes in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Middle East Monitor)
  • Destruction caused by strikes in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Middle East Monitor)
  • Destruction caused by strikes in Beit Lahia on May 13th, 2021. (Image posted by Middle East Monitor)
  • Khaled Al-Malfouh, injured in his back in strikes on Beit Lahia on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Teller Report)
  • Rafat Al Tanani, killed alongside his family in strikes on Beit Lahia on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Teller Report)
  • Ismail Tanani, 7, killed in strikes on Beit Lahia on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by the New York Times)
  • Amir Tanani, 6, killed in strikes on Beit Lahia on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by the New York Times)
  • Ahmad Tanani (referred to as Muhammad in some sources), 2, killed in strikes on Beit Lahia on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by the New York Times)
  • Image of Taher al-Madhun, 28, who was injured in strikes that killed his father and his father's wife on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by B'Tselem)
  • Taher al-Madhun in front of the ruins of his family home. (Image posted by B'Tselem)
  • Raafat a-Tanani and The couple's children, Isma’il, Adham, Amir and Muhammad, all killed in strikes on Beit Lahiya on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by B'Tselem)
  • Rawyah a-Tanani, killed in strikes on Beit Lahia on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by B'Tselem)

Geolocation notes (4) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a residential building being struck in the Beit Lahia (بيت لاهيا‎) neighbourhood of Gaza City (غَزَّة). Analyzing visual material from sources, we have narrowed down the location to these exact coordinates: 31.539201, 34.507192.

  • Reports of the incident mention a residential building being struck in the Beit Lahia (بيت لاهيا‎) neighbourhood of Gaza City (غَزَّة).

    Imagery:
    Soar

  • Tagged visual material from sources.

    Imagery:
    Shihab

  • Tagged visual material from sources.

    Imagery:
    MsdrNews

  • Tagged visual material from sources.

    Imagery:
    @ayatshe3

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
    8 – 9
  • (4–5 children2 women2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    33
  • 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 (100) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT019

Incident date

May 12, 2021

Location

زلاطة, Zalata, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.260063, 34.29657 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between one and two civilians, including a child, were killed and another civilian, a child, was injured in artillery strikes on the Zalata neighborhood in Al-Shoka, eastern Rafah on May 12, 2021.

According to @PalinfoAr, “an elderly man was killed, and a child was wounded by an Israeli artillery shelling of agricultural land east of Rafah”. However, Israel-Palestine Timeline reported that “the soldiers killed an elderly Palestinian man, and a child, when the army fired missiles into agricultural lands”.

A post from Abo Ashraf identified the name of the elderly man: Hammad Ayyad Mansour al-Dabbari, 86 years old.

Diaa Al Badri posted on Facebook about the life of Hammad: “Hammad Ayyad al-Dabari was born in al-Amarah – Beersheba district in 1935, and on its land he grew up, joined al-Amarah school and finished the ninth grade, and after the Zionist gangs committed many heinous massacres and terrorist acts against the Palestinian people, the family of Ayyad al-Dabari was forced to flee to what was left from their land east of Rafah, and after repeated Zionist attacks on various places in the Gaza Strip, Lieutenant-Colonel Mustafa Hafez was assigned in 1955 to form a battalion of Palestinian fedayeen to work behind enemy lines. [He was] in charge of reconnaissance operations inside the occupied Palestinian Territories and determining the goals according to the instructions of the leadership, and he participated in the war of 1956 and 1967, then he continued his struggle in the bases of the guerrillas in the outer squares, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon”.

Al Mezan reported that “at 8:20pm, medical sources at Rafah’s Abu Yousef Al-Najjar Hospital announced the death of Hammad Ayyad Mansour Al-Dabari, 86, as a result of an injury to his head caused by the shrapnel of a missile that hit near his home in the Zalata neighborhood in Al-Shoka, eastern Rafah”.

The National News Agency obtained a statement from the “Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine” and its military wing, the “National Resistance Brigades” mourning Hammad Ayyad al-Dabari, who died in an Israeli raid in the Shoka area east of Rafah, while performing his national duty.

Multiple sources identified Israel as responsible for the shelling. The NGO Monitor differs in that it reported that “Al Haq and PCHR both reported that the circumstances of the incident were still under investigation, but “coincided with the firing and interception of homemade Palestinian rockets from the Israeli Iron Dome system, and the firing of Israeli artillery shells.” It also reported, “Omission of Hamas role: Al Haq’s and PCHR’s explanations are inconsistent with Iron Dome’s capabilities and deployment in intercepting rockets, which could not conceivably have intercepted a rocket over Rafah.”

The NGO Monitor included this incident in a table titled, “Palestinian Casualties Likely Caused by Palestinian Weapons.”

The incident occured at approximately 8:20 pm local time.

The victims were named as:

Hammad Ayyad Mansour al-Dabbari حماد عياد منصور الدباري
86 years old male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1 child1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Israeli Military, Palestinian Militants

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Image of Hammad Ayyad Mansour al-Dabbari, killed in alleged Israeli airstrikes on agricultural land east of Rafah on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Diaa Al Badri via Facebook)
  • Image of Hammad Ayyad Mansour al-Dabbari, killed in alleged Israeli airstrikes on agricultural land east of Rafah on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Abo Ashraf via Facebook)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of Hammad Ayyad Mansour al-Dabbari, killed in alleged Israeli airstrikes on agricultural land east of Rafah on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Ali Fahedi via Facebook)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the Zalata (زلاطة) neighbourhood, for which the generic coordinates are: 31.260063, 34.296570. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Reports of the incident mention the Zalata (زلاطة) neighbourhood.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Palestinian Militants Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1 child1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Israeli Military, Palestinian Militants

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT020

Incident date

May 12, 2021

Location

بالقرب من مخبز العودة بني سهيلة, Vicinity of Al Awda bakery, Bani Suheila, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.339462, 34.32455 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between two and three civilians were killed and two to three other civilians, including a child, were injured in alleged Israeli airstrikes on the town of Bani Suhaila on May 12, 2021.

According to @GazaNewsOfficia, “two martyrs and two injured in the bombing of a civilian car in the town of Bani Suhaila”. However, @drshebo put the number of civilians killed at three while Al Ghad TV reported that three civilians were injured in addition to one civilian killed.

A tweet from @qudsn identified two of the civilians killed: Majed Abu Saadeh and Mahmoud Abu Amer.

Al Mezan published in their report that “in Khan Younis, at 2:05pm on 12 May 2021, Israeli air forces launched a missile onto a gas distribution vehicle as it was passing through the town of Bani Suhaila. The missile resulted in the death of Majid Abd Rabbu Mahmoud Abu Sa’ada, 57, a resident of Bani Suhaila, and Mahmoud Ahmed Abu Amer, 37, a resident of Abasan in eastern Khan Younis. Mohannad Tayseer Abu Eilyaan, 15, was also critically injured in the attack.”

B’Tselem collected testimony from Ibrahim Abu Sa’adah, 31, father of four and son of Majd, who was killed: “On Wednesday, 12 May 2021, I was in my apartment on the third floor of our family’s building, which is on the town’s main street. We have a hardware store on the ground floor. At 1:50 P.M., I was standing by the window overlooking the street and saw my father standing and talking with his friend, Mahmoud Abu ‘Amer, who had brought us a gas balloon. My father paid him and then stood chatting with him for a few minutes. There were drones hovering over us. They never leave us alone, day or night. Suddenly, a missile was fired at Abu ‘Amer’s car from one of the drones. It hit the car, which immediately blew up because there were gas balloons inside. The area was covered in smoke and dust. The moment I heard the blast, I lay down flat on the ground. At first, I thought it was a warning missile fired at our house. A few moments later, I got up and looked out the window, and saw my father lying on the road. His friend, Abu ‘Amer, was inside the car and his body was on fire. I ran outside. There were already a lot of people there. I picked my father up. He’d been hit by shrapnel in the head, chest and neck. He was dying. I carried him to the stairway and laid him down. He said his prayers and passed away. Meanwhile, other residents tried to put out the fire in the car. Five minutes later, an ambulance arrived and took the martyrs to Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. I stayed at home. That day, after the doctors pronounced my father’s death, we buried him at the Bani Suheila cemetery.”

@ShehabAgency identified the car as being a Peugeot model and belonging to Majed, in addition to pinpointing the location to near al-Awda bakery. A tweet from @Riashy47211 added that the vehicle targeted was a “gas distribution car”.

All of the sources that reported on the incident and identified who was responsible blamed Israel for carrying out the strikes.

The incident occured at 14:05:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Majed Abu Saadeh ماجد عبد ربه أبو سعادة
57 years old male a resident of Bani Suhaila killed
Mahmoud Abu Amer محمود ابو عـــامر
37 years old male a resident of Abasan in eastern Khan Younis killed
Mohannad Tayseer Abu Eilyaan مهند تيسير أبو عليان
15 years old injured

Summary

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

Media
from sources (12) [ collapse]

  • The vehicle destroyed by airstrikes on Bani Suhaila on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @said2795)
  • The vehicle destroyed by airstrikes on Bani Suhaila on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @said2795)
  • The vehicle destroyed by airstrikes on Bani Suhaila on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @said2795)
  • Funeral for Majed Abu Saadeh, killed in airstrikes on Bani Suhaila on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @pl24online)
  • Funeral for Majed Abu Saadeh, killed in airstrikes on Bani Suhaila on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @pl24online)
  • Funeral for Majed Abu Saadeh, killed in airstrikes on Bani Suhaila on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @pl24online)
  • Funeral for Majed Abu Saadeh, killed in airstrikes on Bani Suhaila on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @pl24online)
  • "Photo of the martyr Mahmoud Abu Amer, who rose by the occupation bombing of a city car in Bani Suhaila, east of Khan Yunis" (Image posted by @Gazapres)
  • "Photo of the martyr Majed Abu Saadeh, who rose by the occupation bombing of a city car in Bani Suhaila, east of Khan Yunis" (Image posted by @Gazapres)
  • "Photo of the martyr Mahmoud Abu Amer, who rose by the occupation bombing of a city car in Bani Suhaila, east of Khan Yunis" (Image posted by Abo Mohammed via Facebook)
  • "Photo of the martyr Majed Abu Saadeh, who rose by the occupation bombing of a city car in Bani Suhaila, east of Khan Yunis" (Image posted by Marwan Abo Mutlak via Facebook)
  • Abu ‘Amer’s car going up in flames after being bombed in Bani Suheila on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by B'Tselem)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a vehicle being struck in the vicinity of Al Awda bakery (مخبز العودة), allegedly within the town of Bani Suheila (بني سهيلا). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Bani Suheila are: 31.339462, 34.324550.

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
  • (2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • 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 (29) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT023

Incident date

May 12, 2021

Location

حي الأمل, Al Amal neighborhood, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.354810, 34.297943 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between two and three civilians, including up to three woman, were killed and between three and eight others, including a child, were wounded in alleged Israeli artillery shelling and/or airstrikes on the Al Amal neighborhood in Khan Yunis on May 12, 2021.

Initial reports from @Alaqsavoice_Brk stated that “a martyr rose in Khan Yunis from the bombing of an apartment in the Al-Amal neighborhood in Khan Yunis”. Later reports from @SafaPs added that “the body of a second female martyr was pulled out from the bombed house of the Arafa family in the Al-Amal neighborhood, west of Khan Yunis governorate, in the southern Gaza Strip” and @AlGhadTV additionally reported “the body of a third martyr was recovered in the bombing of a house in Al-Amal”.

A tweet from @alkofiyatv named Hadeel Arafa as being killed in the strikes and noted that her body “arrived at Nasser Hospital after she was pulled out from under the rubble”. According to a post by Khan Younus Today, Hadeel was planning her wedding to be held after Eid and had planned out all of the details, including the dress she was going to wear. Thehir Hussein added on Facebook that she had just gotten engaged two weeks ago. Hadeel was killed alongside her mother, Miami Arafa.

Al Mezan included details that “at 2:30pm on the same day, Israeli air forces fired multiple missiles onto a 125-square-meter four-story house owned by Mahmoud Arafah and located in the Al-Amal neighborhood in Khan Younis. The attack led to the death of Miami Abdallah Mousa Arafah, 49, and her daughter Hadeel Khaled Mahmoud Arafah, 28. Three other residents of the house, one of them a child, were injured, while the house and nearby buildings were significantly damaged.”

Al Jazeera reported that “Bayan AbuSultan, 25, said her cousin Hadeel Arafa, 27, and her 50-year-old aunt, Miami, a mother of four, were killed while preparing for Eid in their house in the Amal neighbourhood”.

According to Al Jazeera, at the time of the strikes, “there was no prior warning of an imminent strike as Miami’s brother was on a call with her a few minutes before the bombing. AbuSultan said that she and Hadeel had been planning to go shopping together after Ramadan as she was supposed to get married a few days after Eid al-Fitr. The last that she had heard from her cousin was when she shared her Facebook status, praying for those killed. “Little did she know that soon after we’ll be wishing her exactly the same,” AbuSultan said. “I shiver every time I think of how terrified they were. I hope they didn’t feel anything.”

@ShehabAgency also identified “injuries by Israeli shelling targeted an apartment in Al-Amal neighborhood” and later added that “8 injuries were transported from the scene”.

Sources were conflicted as to whether the damage was inflicted by artillery shells or airstrikes. However, all of the sources that attributed responsibility for the incident blamed Israel.

An IDF statement on 12th May stated: “A short while ago, the IDF struck an additional Hamas internal security apparatus building, in Khan Yunis, used for counterintelligence.” It is unclear at this time if this event was included in this statement.

The incident occured in the afternoon.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Hadeel Arafa هديل عرفة
28 years old female killed
Miami Arafa ميامي عرفة
49 years old female Mother of Hadeel killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • (2–3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–8
  • 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 (27) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (11) [ collapse]

  • Funeral for two members of the Arafa family killed in alleged Israeli bombing of Al-Amal neighborhood in Khan Yunis on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @AbuZiad486)
  • Funeral for two members of the Arafa family killed in alleged Israeli bombing of Al-Amal neighborhood in Khan Yunis on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @AbuZiad486)
  • The body of Hadeel Arafa arrived at Nasser Hospital after she was pulled out from under the rubble following airstrikes on the Al Amal neighborhood in Khan Yunis on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @alkofiyatv)
  • The body of Hadeel Arafa arrived at Nasser Hospital after she was pulled out from under the rubble following airstrikes on the Al Amal neighborhood in Khan Yunis on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @alkofiyatv)
  • The body of Hadeel Arafa arrived at Nasser Hospital after she was pulled out from under the rubble following airstrikes on the Al Amal neighborhood in Khan Yunis on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @alkofiyatv)
  • The body of Hadeel Arafa arrived at Nasser Hospital after she was pulled out from under the rubble following airstrikes on the Al Amal neighborhood in Khan Yunis on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @alkofiyatv)
  • Damage to the building that was struck by alleged Israeli shelling on the Al Amal neighborhood in Khan Yunis on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Khan Younus Today via Facebook)
  • Wedding dress that belonged to Hadeel Arafa , who was killed in airstrikes on the Al Amal neighborhood in Khan Yunis on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @iiio___oiiii)
  • Casualties and the destruction caused by shelling on the Al Amal neighborhood on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Doaa Anna via Facebook)
  • #watched | The young woman Hadeel Arafa, 27, from Gaza, was preparing to be a bride, but the occupation planes ended everything
  • "A Palestinian police officer inspects a damaged building hit by an Israeli air strike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on May 12, 2021. The second day of fighting between Israel and the Hamas militant group ruling the Gaza Strip left massive damage in Gaza and an increasing number of casualties on both sides on Wednesday." (Image posted by Xinhua)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Amal (حي الأمل), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.354810, 34.297943. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Al Amal (حي الأمل).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Israeli Military

[23:59, 5/12/2021] IDF News Desk: IDF:

A short while ago, the IDF struck an additional Hamas internal security apparatus building, in Khan Yunis, used for counterintelligence.

The IDF is continuing to strike terror targets in the Gaza Strip.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • (2–3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–8
  • 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 (27) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT026

Incident date

May 12, 2021

Location

الفخاري, Al Fakhari, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.295483, 34.333109 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between two and three children were killed and two other civilians, including a child, were injured in an alleged Israeli airstrike on the Al-Fakhari area, east of Khan Yunis, on May 12, 2021.

A tweet from @Alaqsavoice_Brk reports that “two children were killed, one was seriously injured, and one moderately wounded, in the bombing of a group of children in the Al-Fakhari area, east of Khan Yunis.” @ALJADEEDNEWS added that among the two injured included a child and the incident occurred “when a motorcycle was bombed”.

@hafss90 tweeted the names of two of the children killed: Ammar Tayseer Al-Amor, 11 years old and Hamada Attia Al-Amour, 13 years old.

According to the Defense for Children International Palestine (DCIP), “Hamada Attia Abed al-Emour, 13, was on his way to a store near his home around 5:30 p.m., accompanied by his two cousins, Ammar Tayseer Mohammad al-Emour, 10, and Elyan Moneer Ibrahim al-Emour, 12, when the Israeli attack helicopter fired two thermal flares and then a missile in the direction of the children, according to documentation collected by DCIP. At the time of the missile attack, the street was open and completely quiet. The helicopter-fired missile directly hit Hamada and Ammar, dismembering and killing them both instantly. Elyan, who was walking five to six meters (16-20 feet) in front of his cousins, was struck with shrapnel in the abdomen, according to documentation collected by DCIP.”

The New York Times reported that the children had gone to get haircuts at the barbershop, a tradition for the end of Ramadan, and were almost back to their house when the strike occurred. Atiya al-Emour, Hamada’s father, who said he witnessed his son’s death, said “I wish I didn’t see what happened to him. It was awful.”

B’Tselem collected testimony from ‘Atiyyah al-‘Amur, 46, a father of eight including Hamadah, who said “On Wednesday, 12 May 2021, at 3:30 P.M., I was standing at the doorway to my store. My son Hamadah had come over with two of his cousins, ‘Amer al-‘Amur, 10, and ‘Alayan al-‘Amur, 11. They were going to get a haircut and stopped by so I could give Hamadah money. The barbershop is two kilometers from the store, on Salah a-Din Street. I gave him money and they left. Two hours later, at 5:30 P.M., they came back after the haircuts. They took some instant noodles and went home. I sat down in the doorway. I looked at the sky to the east and saw two Israeli helicopters hovering next to each other, and then one turned south and the other west. Less than a minute later, the helicopter heading west fired a missile that hit Hamadah and his cousins, who were walking along the right side of the street. They were about 50 meters from the store. I saw dust and thick smoke where the kids had been. I couldn’t see them. I went into shock and couldn’t do anything. The smoke cleared after a few minutes, and then I saw the three of them lying on the road. I ran over to them, screaming. There was no one else around. I was so confused and panicked, I ran back and forth between the kids and the store. A few minutes later, people started arriving. Among them was my relative Hatem, 50. He lifted ‘Alayan, who was lying wounded on the ground by the Timraz station, about 20 meters from the other two boys.  Hatem put ‘Alayan in his car and drove straight to the European Hospital. He wanted to take ‘Amer and my son Hamadah with him, too, but I told him and the other people there that they were dead. Both boys were burnt in most parts of their bodies, including their faces. Meanwhile, my cousin Taleb, 55, arrived and put Hamadah and ‘Amer in his car. I was in shock and in a terrible state. I couldn’t bring myself to go near them or drive with them to hospital. I sat down by my store and didn’t know what to do. I was hysterical and the people around me tried to calm me down. After half an hour, I went to the European Hospital and found that Hamadah and ‘Amer were already in the morgue. My nephew ‘Alayan was in surgery. He had abdominal surgery and after six days, was transferred to al-‘Arish Hospital in Egypt. He’s still there. The next day, Thursday, 13 May 2021, was ‘Eid al-Fitr. Instead of celebrating, we buried my son and my nephew. They’re buried at the a-Sheik Muhammad cemetery in Khan Yunis. Hamadah was in the seventh grade at an UNWRA school in the al-Fukhari neighborhood. Everyone loved him. Since he was martyred, we’ve stopped hearing the voices of his friends, who used to call him to come out and play. Hamadah loved playing soccer. He used to help me with farm work and sometimes also at the grocery store.”

A tweet from @Safi_F70 identified the children as being ” from the Tarabin tribe” and added Al-Tarabin to their named. They also identified Elyan Mounir Al-Amour Al-Tarabin, 13 years old (M), as also being injured but in a serious condition. @IslemChaouchi added the name Omar Abdel Ibrahim Abu Mustafa, age 21, resident of Khan Yunis Al-Fokhari, as being injured in the strikes.

Arab 48 reported that the injured were taken to Nasser Hospital for treatment while DCIP reported that at first “all three children were transported to the nearby European hospital where doctors pronounced Hamada and Ammar dead. Eylan was later transferred to Khan Younis’ Nasser hospital and remains in critical condition as of midday on May 13.”

@AyaIsleemEn and @horiyatelqs identified three children as being killed “east of Rafah” but did not provide any other details.

DCIP pointed out that the helicopter used was a “U.S.-sourced Israeli Apache attack helicopter” and Al Mezan reported that the location was “land adjacent to Timraz Station in Al-Fakhary in southeast Khan Younis”. Al Mezan also identified the strike as occurring at 5:30pm while the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights stated that the strike occurred at 10:15am and only two children were wounded.

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

The incident occured at 17:30:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Ammar Tayseer Al-Amor عمار تيسير العمور
11 years old male killed
Hamada Attia Al-Amour حمادة عطية العمور
13 years old male killed
Elyan Mounir Al-Amour Al-Tarabin عليان منير العمور الترابين
13 years old male injured

The victims were named as:

Omar Abdel Ibrahim Abu Mustafa عمر عبد إبراهيم أبو مصطفى
21 years old injured

Summary

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

Media
from sources (12) [ collapse]

  • Images from the funeral of Ammar Tayseer Al-Amor and Hamada Atiya Al-Amour after they were killed in strikes on Al-Fokhari on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @PalinfoAr)
  • Images from the funeral of Ammar Tayseer Al-Amor and Hamada Atiya Al-Amour after they were killed in strikes on Al-Fokhari on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @PalinfoAr)
  • Images from the funeral of Ammar Tayseer Al-Amor and Hamada Atiya Al-Amour after they were killed in strikes on Al-Fokhari on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @PalinfoAr)
  • Images from the funeral of Ammar Tayseer Al-Amor and Hamada Atiya Al-Amour after they were killed in strikes on Al-Fokhari on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @PalinfoAr)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic images of the children killed in strikes on Al-Fokhari on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @azzam19951)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic images of the children killed in strikes on Al-Fokhari on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @azzam19951)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Child moderately injured in strikes on Al-Fokhari on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @pl24online)
  • Elyan Mounir Al-Amour Al-Tarabin, who was injured and later died from his injuries from strikes on Al-Fokhari on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by TarabeenTop via Facebook)
  • Hamada Attia Abed, age 13, was killed in strikes on al-Fukhari on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Abo Fadi via Facebook)
  • Ammar Tayseer Ayesh al-Amor, age 11, was killed in strikes on al-Fukhari on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Abo Fadi via Facebook)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic images of the children killed in strikes on Al-Fokhari on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @SafaPs)
  • ‘Atiyyah al-‘Amur in his shop, next to posters commemortaing his son Hamadah and his nephew ‘Amer who were killed in strikes on al-Fukhari neighborhood on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by B'Tselem)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention Timraz station, allegedly located within Al Fakhari (الفخاري). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Al Fakhari are: 31.295483, 34.333109.

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
  • (2–3 children)
  • 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 (34) [ collapse]