On March 18, 2025 – the day hostilities resumed following a ceasefire – four family members were killed, and at least one other was injured in an alleged Israeli attack in the southern Gaza Strip. 23-year-old Israa Khalil Mohammed al-Bitar, her husband, 27-year-old Mohammed Jihad Ayed Abu Zaid and their young daughter, one-year-old Hala Mohammed Jihad Abu Zaid, were killed in the attack. Mohammed’s sister, Asman Jihad Ayed Abu Zaid, was also killed alongside the family.
According to friends and family, Jihad Mohammed Jihad Abu Zaid, the infant child of Mohammed and Israa, was severely bruised and injured in the incident. The boy was not even two months old when he lost his sister and parents. Weeks after the incident, a post was shared on social media appealing for help for Jihad as he still suffered from the injuries sustained in the incident.
News of the family’s passing was shared online, and friends and family gathered together to mourn the loss of their loved ones. In a heartfelt message, Israa’s sister thanked all of those who had shared their condolences, saying, “With feelings of sadness, patience, and submission to God’s will and destiny, we extend our sincere thanks, gratitude, and appreciation to everyone who offered us their sincere condolences and good consolation on the passing of Israa Khalil Al-Baytar, her husband Muhammad Abu Zaid, and their daughter Hala, whether by attending the funeral or by communicating via phone or social media. We apologise to those who were unable to do so, especially in these difficult circumstances. May God not let you see any harm to your loved ones. May God reward you for your efforts and place them in the balance of your good deeds.”
Where possible, names have been matched with the Palestinian Ministry of Health (MoH) lists, which include national ID numbers. Airwars is matching individuals to the first list where their name appeared. In regard to this incident, names are matched to the eighth ‘Palestinian Ministry of Health List of Fatalities in Gaza’ list, which was released on March 24, 2025.
Where sources identified a belligerent, all sources attributed the strike to Israeli forces.