On Sunday morning, just before 11:00 am, on September 22, 2024, an Israeli aircraft struck the Kafar Qasem school in Al-Shati camp, also known as Beach camp, west of Gaza City, killing at least seven people and injuring many more, some of whom were left in critical condition.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike on their Telegram channel, stating at 10:52 am that “a short while ago, following the direction of IDF, ISA, and Southern Command intelligence, the IAF conducted a precise strike on Hamas terrorists…in a compound that previously served as the ‘Kafar Qasem’ School.”
Like many other school buildings in the besieged Gaza Strip, the Kafar Qasem school was providing refuge to hundreds of Gazans. However, the IDF alleged that the school was used as an operating ground by Hamas militants and that the Israeli air force conducted the strike with “precise munitions, aerial surveillance and additional intelligence information” to limit the risk to civilians.
Airwars has not been able to independently verify claims of a Hamas presence in the building.
The military statement did not provide information on casualties, but the incident was widely reported by news agencies such as Arab News and Al-Jazeera, alongside numerous social media users on platforms like Facebook and Twitter and by the official spokesman for Civil Defence, Mahmoud Basal.
Social media sources helped Airwars to identify the names of six civilians killed in the attack. Indeed, in the aftermath of the incident, friends and family resorted to social media to express their grief and honour the memories of their loved ones, sharing photos as a tribute to their lives.
The loss of engineer Majed Saleh, Director General of the Ministry of Public Works and Housing in Gaza, and his nephew, Mohammed Ahmed Saleh, left many grieving.
Karam Saleh confirmed the death of his older brother, Mohammed, and his uncle, Majed, highlighting the profound loss to their family. Mohanad Saleh did the same, emphasising their irreplaceable presence in his life. Other condolences followed. Sirin Khalil expressed deep sorrow for Majed’s passing, writing: “Why did you hasten to leave, O owner of the pure heart and beautiful smile? May God have mercy on you, Majed. You were the best husband, brother, friend and companion.”
Fatima Eyad mourned Majed as not only an uncle but a second father, acknowledging the constant support he provided: “You left our world, but your spirit resides in our corners, our hearts and all our limbs.”
In the pictures shared alongside the posts, Majed was a middle-aged man. Many pictures were also shared depicting him in his younger years, where he was often seen with jet-black hair, dressed elegantly and with a warm smile. His nephew, Mohammed Ahmed Saleh, was a young adult.
The Guardian called Majed Saleh “the director of the Hamas-run public works and housing ministry”, however, given that there is no indication of militant activities, he has been counted as a civilian. Airwars will update the incident should new information become available.
The loss of Ahmed Hassan Tafesh, remembered as Abu Bakr, was mourned by his family and loved ones. Kayd Ashour shared a heartfelt tribute alongside a picture of Ahmed, capturing his smile and remembered him as “well-mannered” and “beloved”. He was a young man with a neatly groomed beard and hair styled back with gel. Mahmoud Shaldan Abu Nidal, a cousin, expressed his grief writing: “My heart does not grieve, and my eyes do not cry, but we are deeply saddened by your departure, Abu Bakr… You were a good brother, a good friend and a beloved soul with a beautiful smile.”
Hedaya Bassam al-Shawa was remembered as a dedicated and remarkable individual. Reyad Abed al-All described her as “one of the best people Palestine has produced”, deeply committed to serving both her homeland and its people.
In a photo shared online, she was seen wearing a black-and-white hijab, appearing focused, likely during a professional meeting. A colleague, Em Mohammed Al-Efranjy, wrote a heartfelt tribute in her honour, reflecting their shared professional bond. Her death was also confirmed by Khaled N. Dalloul, her sister’s husband, while Mariam Ahmed extended her condolences to her brother’s wife, Rania Al-Shawa (Umm Ahmed), and her daughters, mourning the loss of Rania’s sister.
The death of Munir Shraim (Abu Khaled) was announced by his friend, Am Yusif al-Habil, while Ousama Sharim expressed sorrow over the loss of his uncle.
Aseel Bostan shared her grief over his loss, describing him as an uncle, father, educator and role model. She wrote: “We bear witness that you fulfilled your trust to the fullest and helped the nation as much as you could. Your honorable martyrdom is befitting of someone so beloved.” She also praised his contributions, stating: “Every inch of Gaza bears witness to your goodness, kindness and light-heartedness. By God, if all humanity offered what you offered, it would not do you justice. May God reward you for your sacrifices.”
Naim Mohammed al-Samri, reportedly an engineer, was mourned by those who knew him, with many sharing a picture of him to pay tribute to his life and legacy. He can be seen as a middle aged man, sporting a black shirt. Abed Rajab Abu Mohammed grieved the loss of his uncle, and Seaf Alsmry honored his memory, describing him as a man of “vast knowledge, a sober mind and a calm, humble smile for God.”
While there is consensus on the number of fatalities, incongruities arise regarding the number of injured. Most sources referred to “a number of wounded”, or described the event as “a massacre”, whereas Motasem A Dalloul (@AbujomaaGaza) posted on X that the toll stood at 19. Multiple children were reportedly injured. Ahmed Aljojo alleged some of the injuries constituted “serious cases”.
According to the Palestinian News Agency Wafa, all the wounded were transferred to the Al-Shifa Medical Complex.
Pictures and videos were posted on social networks showing the infrastructural damage, including a fire that broke out after the strike, with Palestinians inspecting through the rubble trying to help the injured.
In a video shared by Mohammed Ahmed (@j_mohamed_ahmed), a woman wearing a long black and white hijab explained that she was displaced to the Kafer Qasim school when her house was destroyed and her husband and two of her sons were killed, so now she has nowhere to go.
In another picture, papers and other destroyed objects were seen burning amid the rubble.
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 seventh ‘Palestinian Ministry of Health List of Fatalities in Gaza’ list.
Although the IDF confirmed its airstrike on Kafar Qasem school, it did not acknowledge the civilian harm resulting from it. Therefore, Airwars has graded the strike status of the incident as “declared,” and civilian harm status as “fair.”