Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

M21ISPT024

Incident date

May 12, 2021

Location

قرب برج السلطان, Vicnity of Al Sultan Tower, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.521018, 34.486656 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 14 and 26 civilians, including four children and nine women, were injured in alleged Israeli airstrikes near Al-Sultan Tower on Yafa Street in Jabalya on May 12, 2021.

According to @paltimes2015, “14 civilians were injured, and their injuries were described as moderate to minor, as a result of the occupation targeting a house near the Sultan Tower on Jaffa Street in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip”.

Palestinian Centre for Human Rights reported that at 3:20am, strikes on agricultural land near al-Qerm intersection resulted in 26 civilians, including 4 children and 9 women, being wounded due to the shattering glass. However, it is unclear if this is the same incident.

An image posted by @muhammedobuowda shows an explosion from the strike. The strikes were attributed to Israel.

The incident occured around dawn.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    14–26
  • 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 (21) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Explosion from strikes on a house near the Sultan Tower in Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip. (Image posted by @muhammedobuowda)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the vicinity of Al Sultan Tower (برج السلطان), within the town of Jabalia (جباليا). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates are Al Sultan Tower are: 31.521018, 34.486656.

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    14–26
  • 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 (21) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT025

Incident date

May 12, 2021

Location

شارع الشعف, Al Shafa Street, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.5044578, 34.474228 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least one civilian was killed and three others, including a child, were injured in alleged Israeli strikes on Al-Sha’af Street in the east of the Al-Tuffah neighborhood on May 12, 2021. Al Qassam Brigades identified that a combatant was also killed in the strike, a “Mujahid Qassami”.

A tweet from @Reemjihad1 identified that “a civilian car was targeted in Al-Sha`f neighborhood, east of #Gaza leading to 1 martyr.” However, El Watan News increased the number to “an elderly man and another citizen were martyred”.

@qudsn named “Izz Al-Din Helles was killed and his father and brother were seriously injured after his car was bombed” and @OmarElQattaa added that “a number of injuries arrived at Al-Shifa Medical Complex”. @palsawa put the number of injured at three.

Al Qassam Brigades confirmed that Izz Al-Din Helles was a member of the militant group in their report which stated “On the path of jihad, life becomes sweeter – Izz Al-Din Muhammad Abdullah Helles.”

According to @A7med_Bulbul, Izz Al-Din was 35 years old and his injured brother is Ashraf. Pal times 2015 posted about “the injury of a 47-year-old man, a resident of Shejaiya, and his 17-year-old son, to the Al-Shifa compound,” which seems to refer to Ashraf and his son. A Facebook post by Welliam.shahwan added that the car struck belonged to Dr. Ashraf Helles and his son was injured along with him and Ezzedine’s father.

Al Mezan gave specific details that “at 2:15pm on 12 May 2021, Israeli air forces fired two missiles onto a car driving down Al-Sha’af Street in the east of the Al-Tuffah neighborhood”.

All of the sources that attributed the strikes to a responsible party identified Israel as carrying out the strikes. The IDF confirmed they carried out this attack, reporting that “15:28 – An IDF aircraft attacked a vehicle carrying a squadron of Hamas terrorist launchers from the Sajaiya Battalion.”

The incident occured at 14:15:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Ashraf Helles اشرف حلس
47 years old male Brother of Ezzedine injured
Father of Ezzedine Helles بيو لا عزالــديــن حلس
Adult male killed
Son of Ashraf Helles ابن اشرف حلس
17 years old male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Known attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Known target
    Palestinian Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (32) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (13) [ collapse]

  • Damage caused by the alleged Israeli strikes on the Sha`af neighborhood on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @OmarElQattaa)
  • Damage caused by the alleged Israeli strikes on the Sha`af neighborhood on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @OmarElQattaa)
  • Damage caused by the alleged Israeli strikes on the Sha`af neighborhood on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @qudsn)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • Image of a Palestinian militant, Ezzedine Helles, identified as a member of Al Qassam, killed in strikes on the Sha`af neighborhood on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Abo Zaher Hales via Facebook)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A video of the moment Dr. Ashraf Helles' car was targeted on Al Sha'af Street, knowing that his brother was martyred and his son and father were injured in the bombing

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    # Video of a martyr targeting a civilian car in Al-Sha`f neighborhood, east of Gaza

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • Image of Ezzedine Helles, killed in strikes on the Sha`af neighborhood on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Ibn Al Balad via Facebook)
  • Izza Al-Din Muhammad Abudullah Helles, allegedly killed by an Israeli forces' restaurant

Geolocation notes (5) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a vehicle being struck on Al Shafa (الشعف) Street, within the neighborhood of Al Tuffah (التفاح ). Analyzing audio-visual material from sources we have narrowed down the location of this strike to these exact coordinates: 31.5044578, 34.474228.

  • Reports of the incident mention a vehicle being struck on Al Shafa (الشعف) Street, within the neighborhood of Al Tuffah (التفاح ).

    Imagery:
    Planet

  • Tagged panoramic stitch from audio-visual sources.

    Imagery:
    @adham922

  • Tagged visual material from sources.

    Imagery:
    @OmarElQattaa

  • Tagged audio-visual material from sources.

    Imagery:
    @_F701

  • Tagged audio-visual material from sources.

    Imagery:
    @_F701

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Israeli Military
Official source

15:28 - An IDF aircraft attacked a vehicle carrying a squadron of Hamas terrorist launchers from the Sajaiya Battalion.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Known attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Known target
    Palestinian Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (32) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT027

Incident date

May 12, 2021

Location

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

Geolocation

31.524657, 34.437209

Airwars assessment

At least two civilians were injured in alleged Israeli strikes next the Hamouda Institure in Beit Lahia on May 12, 2021.

@SafaPs reported that “two injuries arrived at the Indonesian hospital as a result of the Israeli raid against a group of citizens next to the Hamouda Sharia Institute in Beit Lahia”. Other sources also reported that there were injuries but did not provide a number.

@gaza_report referred to “two casualties” but doesn’t specify if they are injuries or deaths.

All of the sources that reported on the incident identified airstrikes as occurring and both @wtaanpress2 and @Arabi21News attributed the strikes to Israel.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Air strikes near Nayef Towers in Beit Lahiya‌ on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @wolfaksh)

Geolocation notes

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

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Summary

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

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT028

Incident date

May 12, 2021

Location

خزاعة, Khuza'a, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.307314, 34.360372 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least three civilians, a woman and two children, were injured in alleged Israeli airstrikes on the town of Khuza’a on May 12, 2021.

According to @NewpressPs, “a Palestinian woman and two children were injured in a bombing in the town of Khuza’a, east of Khan Yunis”. The injuries resulted from the house of the woman injured being struck and ambulance crews evacuated the injured.

A post by Amr Tabash identified the injured woman as being from the al-Najjar family and Pal times 2015 verified that the woman and children were from the same family.

@palsawa added that the house was struck during Israeli targeting of “the Internal Security headquarters near the Education Roundabout, east of Beit Lahia”.

@syr_television identified four air raids as being carried out in Khuza’a and all of the sources that reported on the incident blamed Israeli forces.

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 if this statement directly relates to this event at this time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    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
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces

Sources (21) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • A woman from the al-Najjar family was brought to the hospital with injuries following strikes on the town of Khuza’a on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Amr Tabash via Facebook)
  • A woman from the al-Najjar family was brought to the hospital with injuries following strikes on the town of Khuza’a on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Amr Tabash via Facebook)
  • A woman from the al-Najjar family was brought to the hospital with injuries following strikes on the town of Khuza’a on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Amr Tabash via Facebook)
  • A woman was injured now in Al-Najjar neighborhood in Khuza'a, as a result of artillery shelling of the house of a citizen

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Khuza’a (خزاعة), southeast of Khan Younis (خان يونس). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Khuza’a are: 31.307314, 34.360372.

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
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces

Sources (21) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT029

Incident date

May 12, 2021

Location

قرب مسجد الإحسان ، مخيم النصيرات, Vicinity of Al Ihsan mosque, Al Nuseirat Camp, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.521920, 34.487516 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four combatants were killed and one to two other civilians were injured in airstrikes on Al Nusayrat camp on May 12, 2021. The men that were killed were identified as militants by the Islamic Jihad group, who posted a tribute to the “Mujahid martyrs”.

According to Al Jazeera, the four people were killed in Israeli strikes on Al Nusayrat camp. @SafaPs tweeted that three bodies of those killed arrived at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital and later added that a fourth body arrived at the hospital.

@Tartouri99 tweeted the names of the four killed: Hamza Mahmoud Al-Hour 26, Mohamed Abdel Moneim Shaheen 27, Ahmed Moeen Al-Qeraa 24, Ahmed Walid Al-Talaa. Al Mezan added that two others were moderately injured and that all casualties were residents of Nuseirat refugee camp.

Shorouk News reported the death of three people and the injury of one, referring to those affected by the strikes as “civilians” and @NewPress_en designated those targeted as civilians.

Tweets from @michaelh992 and @Jtruzmah identify the men as being militants. In addition, a report from the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, an organization affiliated with the Israeli government, identified Hamza Mahmoud Ibrahim al Hour as being “a military wing operative in an elite unit of the Brigade of the Central Camps” and Mohammad Abd alMoneim Ibrahim Shahin, Mohammad Mu’in Mohammad al-Qaara, and Ahmad Walid Hussein al Talaa as being “military wing operative[s] in the artillery unit of the Brigade of the Central Camps”. Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine verified these claims in posts memorializing all four men as “Mujahid martyrs”.

@fidaazaanin identified the location of the strikes as occurring near the Ihsan Mosque in Nuseirat and WAFA pointed out that the airplanes targeted a group of people on one of the streets in the camp. Al Mezan put the time of the strike at 6:30pm and reported that an Israeli drone fired one missile into the group.

The incident occured at 18:30:00 local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    4

Sources (35) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (13) [ collapse]

  • Image of the four men affected by the airstrikes on Al-Nuseirat camp on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @maisarabtihan)
  • Image of the four men affected by the airstrikes on Al-Nuseirat camp on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @shms_salama_)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • Mohamed Abdel Moneim Shaheen, killed by the airstrikes on Al-Nuseirat camp on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @Pal_Shaheed)
  • Hamza Mahmoud Al-Hour, killed by the airstrikes on Al-Nuseirat camp on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @fidaazaanin)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic images of the bodies of the men killed by the airstrikes on Al-Nuseirat camp on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @michaelh992)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic images of the bodies of the men killed by the airstrikes on Al-Nuseirat camp on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @michaelh992)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic images of the bodies of the men killed by the airstrikes on Al-Nuseirat camp on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @michaelh992)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic images of the bodies of the men killed by the airstrikes on Al-Nuseirat camp on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @michaelh992)
  • Muhammad Moeen Al-Qara’, identified as a member of the Islamic Jihad in Palestine movement, killed in strikes on Al Nusayrat camp on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Al Saraya)
  • Hamza Mahmoud Al-Hour, identified as a member of the Islamic Jihad in Palestine movement, killed in strikes on Al Nusayrat camp on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Al Saraya)
  • Ahmed Walid Al-Tala'a, identified as a member of the Islamic Jihad in Palestine movement, killed in strikes on Al Nusayrat camp on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Al Saraya)
  • Muhammad Abdel-Moneim Shaheen, identified as a member of the Islamic Jihad in Palestine movement, killed in strikes on Al Nusayrat camp on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Al Saraya)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the vicinity of Al Ihsan mosque (مسجد الإحسان), within the camp of Al Nuseirat (مخيم النصيرات). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Al Ihsan mosque are: 31.521920, 34.487516.

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
    1–2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    4

Sources (35) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT031

Incident date

May 12, 2021

Location

شارع النزاز, Al Nazzaz Street, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.49805621, 34.47063922 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Street level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between one and two civilians were killed and three to four others, including a child, were injured in alleged Israeli airstrikes on Al-Nazzaz Street in eastern Shujayya on May 12, 2021.

A tweet from @PalinfoAr reported: “two martyrs and 4 injured as a result of the Israeli bombing of a house for the Al-Naasan family in Al-Nazzaz Street”. However, @5br3ajel referred to the home as “belonging to the Abu Sakran family”.

@cuttietete put the toll from the bombing at “a martyr and 3 injured”.

@ibrahimalwadia named two of those killed: Ahmed Ibrahim Abu Sakran and Muhammad Nahed Abu Sakran.

B’Tselem collected testimony from Ibrahim Abu Sakran, 26, Ahmad’s son and Muhammad’s cousin: On 12 May 2021, I was sitting at the entrance to our house on a-Nizar Street in the neighborhood of a-Shuja’iyeh, talking with two friends – my cousin, Muhammad Nahed Abu Sakran, and my nephew, Muhammad Hashem Abu Sakran. The power was out and everything was dark. At around 8:30 P.M., my dad came out of the house and asked us to come inside so we wouldn’t get hurt. Just then, I heard a very loud explosion and the place filled with smoke and dust. I didn’t move. I heard parts of the building fall near us. A minute later, I saw Muhammad Nahed and Muhammad Hashem. They were lying on top of each other, bleeding. I got up and saw that I’d also hit been by shrapnel in the leg and chest. I looked behind me and saw my dad lying on the floor inside, covered in shrapnel and blood. He was drawing his last breaths. I tried to pick him up, but I was too badly injured. I called out to my brothers, who were inside the house. They picked me up and gave the wounded people first aid. Some neighbors took them away in their cars. After about 10 minutes, an ambulance arrived and I was put inside. I blacked out in the ambulance and woke up at a-Shifaa Hospital. I was X-rayed and they found shrapnel in my legs and chest. They also found a tear in my auditory nerve and a perforation in my right ear. I still can’t hear properly. At the hospital I asked after my father, my cousin and my nephew. The doctors told me they were okay and were being treated in the ER. I was sure they’d all been killed because they were so badly injured. During the bombing, I’d seen them looking at me, but they hadn’t been able to speak. About half an hour later, the doctors told that me that my father and Muhammad Nahed had been killed. I started shouting and blacked out. When I woke up, I got up because I wanted to see my father. Even though I was injured, I had to see him. But the doctors wouldn’t let me go because they weren’t done treating me. I went home that night because I couldn’t stand staying at the hospital. I wanted to be with my mother and sisters and the rest of the family. The next day, they brought my father and Muhammad Nahel in so we could say goodbye to them. A lot of people came. I cried when I saw them. I couldn’t hug them because of my condition. I said goodbye only by looking at them from afar.”

Fatah issued a statement mourning Ahmed and Muhammad Sakran but did not identify them as members of any groups.

Al Mezan gave details that “At 7:25pm, Israeli air forces fired one missile at the entrance of the house of Ahmad Ibrahim Ahmed Abu Al-Sakran, 64, on Al-Nazzaz Street in eastern Shujayya in the east of Gaza City. The attack coincided with the assembly of a group of people near the targeted house as they awaited the call to prayer to break their fast. The owner, Ahmad, was killed in the attack, as was Mohammed Nahed Jaber Abu Al-Sakran, 24. Ali Hisham Ahmed Abu Al-Sakran, 8, was also reportedly critically injured in the attack.

A post from Mosab Jamal Abo Sakran on Facebook added that the strikes were carried out “without warning”.

All of the sources that attributed the strikes to Israeli forces.

The incident occured at 19:25:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

Ahmed Ibrahim Abu Sakran أحمد ابراهيم أبو سكران
64 years old male killed
Muhammad Nahed Abu Sakran محمد ناهض أبو سكران
24 years old male killed
Ali Hisham Ahmed Abu Al-Sakran علي هشام أحمد أبو سكران
8 years old injured
Ibrahim Abu Sakran
26 years old male injured
Muhammad Hashem Abu Sakran
male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1–2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–4
  • 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 (26) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (7) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • Image of home in Shejaiya neighborhood bombed by Israeli forces on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @Paldf)
  • Ibrahim Abu Saktan, injured in strikes on the a-Shuja'iyeh neighborhood on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by B'Tselem)
  • Image of Muhammad Nahed Abu Sakran, killed in alleged Israeli strikes on Al-Nazzaz Street in Gaza on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by B'Tselem)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a house being struck on Al Nazzaz Street (شارع النزاز) in the Shujaeya neighorhood (حي الشجاعيه) for which the coordinates are: 31.49805621, 34.47063922. Due to the limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1–2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–4
  • 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 (26) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT030

Incident date

May 12, 2021

Location

الزيتون, Al Zeitoun, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.485479, 34.444885 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between two and three civilians, including two children, were killed and between four and 25 others were injured in alleged Israeli airstrikes on Al-Zaytoun neighborhood on May 12, 2021.

According to the Anadolu Agency, “one person was killed and several injured in an Israeli raid targeting Al-Zaytoun neighborhood”. However, @GNNANOW and @batoolaloufi tweeted that three people were killed.

Al Mezan reported that “at 9:15pm, Israeli air forces fired two missiles onto Salah Eddein Street, in the east of the Al-Zeitoun neighborhood, eastern Gaza City, killing Yahya Mazen Shehada Khalifa, 13, who happened to be in the area.”

The Defense for Children International Palestine (DCIP) reported that Yahya had been walking to a shop near his home when the Israeli missile exploded, killing him instantly and dismembering his body. Yahya was pronounced dead at Shifa Hospital. In addition, dozens of residents and people passing by were injured in the blast and many homes were destroyed.

The New York Times quoted his father, Mazen Khalifa as saying “He was an innocent and sweet boy”. He “enjoyed riding his bike, had memorized several chapters of the Quran and hoped to one day visit the Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem”. He was killed while he was running out to buy yogurt and ice cream for his family.

Al Mezan later added that Mahmoud Hamed Tulba, 13, died of his wounds the next day.

DCIP stated that Mahmoud had been leaving the barber shop when shrapnel from the blast hit his head. His injuries were treated at Shifa Hospital in the intensive care unit but ultimately he succumbed to his injuries and died the next morning.

Hamed Tolbeh, father of Mahmoud, told the New York Times that he was an excellent student, he liked the sciences and dreamed of becoming a mechanical engineer. “He was the backbone of our family. We could rely on him for anything, like making eggs and sandwiches for his siblings, tea and coffee for guests, cleaning the house and picking up groceries. He had a bright future but it was buried with him in the grave”. Mahmoud was killed just steps from the barber shop’s entrance where he was going to help his cousin.

@ShehabAgency put the number of civilians injured at 23 after a “house belonging to the Barakat family” was struck. @M1998HM identified 20 injuries that arrived at Al-Shifa Hospital as an initial toll while @Obada_mekkousi provided a toll of 25 injuries. Al Ghad TV gave the lowest estimate of four injuries.

One of the locations affected by the strikes was an ice factory in the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood, as reported by Al Sharq. DCIP further pinpointed the location to in front of an auto repair ship on Salah al-Din Street.

@AlHadath quoted Journalist Adel Al-Zanoun who identified more than 20 Israeli raids on the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood while Al Kofiya News said that only three missiles were launched. @M1998HM pointed out that the bombing occurred without warning.

The incident occured at 21:15:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Yahya Mazen Shehada Khalifa يحيى مازن شحادة خليفة
13 years old male killed
Mahmoud Hamed Tulba محمود حامد طلبة
13 years old male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–25
  • 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 (28) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of Yahya Mazen Shehadeh Khalifa, who was killed in strikes on Al Zaytoun on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Mohammed Kashko abo Kifah via Facebook)
  • Image of Yahya Mazen Shehadeh Khalifa, who was killed in strikes on Al Zaytoun on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Mohammed Kashko abo Kifah via Facebook)
  • Mahmoud Hamed Tulba, who was killed in strikes on Al Zaytoun on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Khalid Alaa via Facebook)
  • Image of Yahya Mazen Shehadeh Khalifa, who was killed in strikes on Al Zaytoun on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by the New York Times)
  • Mother and brother of Yahya Mazen Shehadeh Khalifa, who was killed in strikes on Al Zaytoun on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by the New York Times)
  • Mahmoud Hamed Tulba, who was killed in strikes on Al Zaytoun on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by the New York Times)
  • Nagham, sister of Mahmoud Hamed Tulba, cradles his body after he was killed in strikes on Al Zaytoun on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by the New York Times)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the Salah Eddien street, allegedly within the Al Zeitoun (الزيتون) neighbourhood south of Gaza city. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Al Zeitoun are: 31.485479, 34.444885.

  • 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
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–25
  • 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 (28) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT032

Incident date

May 12, 2021

Location

بئر النعجة, Bir Al Na’jah, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.541901, 34.488035 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least two civilians, including a child, were injured in alleged Israeli airstrikes on Bir Na’jah neighborhood on May 12, 2021.

Al Mezan reported that “at approximately 23:37, Israeli warplanes launched a missile at an empty land in Bir Na’jah neighborhood, west of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip. As a result, two were wounded, including a child, and taken to the Indonesian Hospital, where medical sources said their injuries were moderate.”

Al Haq also identified two injuries, including a child, as resulting from airstrikes on Bir Na’jah. Various other sources reported on airstrikes occurring in the area but did not including information about civilian casualties.

Al Mezan and Al Haq both attributed the strikes to Israel.

The incident occured at approximately 11:37 pm local time.

Summary

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

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Bir Al Na’jah (بئر النعجة), west of Jabalia (جباليا). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Bir Al Na’jah’s main street are: 31.541901, 34.488035.

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Summary

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