Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

M21ISPT114

Incident date

May 19, 2021

Location

جحر الديك, Juhr Al Dik, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.458104, 34.439708 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A 63-year-old farmer, Hajj Hasan Sami Borno, was reported to have been killed either in Israeli artillery shelling or as a result of a gunshot wound to the chest in the village Juhr Al Dik, southeast of Gaza city, on May 19 2021.

Some sources reported that Borno was killed as a result of warplanes bombing the village. Israeli thinktank the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Centre reported that Borno was killed by “IDF fire”.

Sources note that he was farming his land when the reported shelling occurred. A statement published by the Workers’ Council said: “It is a sad day for the families of the farmer worker, and for the hardworking workers, on which we mourn with great pain a martyr for a living, may God have mercy on him and inspire his family patience and solace.”

Borno’s daughter, Nada H Borno, posted on Facebook after her father’s death: “With more pride and honour, I mourn my father, the sweetness of my eyes, my beloved, and the joy of my heart”. His niece, Heba Salah, posted an image of a crowded funeral on Facebook, stating: “You saw the place of the martyr, God suffices us and He is the best agent. The meeting is heaven, God willing, my beloved uncle and my second father”.

OCHA published a statement by the Food Security Cluster, responsible for coordinating humanitarian aid in the area, that said: “partners have reported an increasing fear among farmers who attempt to access their agricultural lands, particularly following the killing of a farmer by Israeli forces on 19 May”.

No other civilian harm incidents were reported relating to this event.

The incident occured at 16:20:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Hajj Hasan Sami Borno الشهيد حسن البورنو
63 years old killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery, Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • 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 (6) [ collapse]

  • Facebook post about Hasan Borno by his daughter, Nada Borno, after he was reportedly killed in Israeli artillery shelling or gunfire while farming in southeast Gaza, May 19 2021. The post reads: With more pride and honor, I mourn my father, the sweetness of my eyes, my beloved, and the joy of my heart #Martyr_Hassan_Al-Borno
  • A photo of Hasan Borno posted on Facebook from his own account after his death in an alleged Israeli artillery shelling or gunfire incident in southeast Gaza May 19 2021.
  • An image reporting to be from the funeral of Hasan Borno, posted by his niece, Heba Saleh, on Facebook. Borno was reportedly killed in Israeli artillery or gunfire on May 19 2021.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An image showing the face of Hasan Borno, posted by his niece, Heba Saleh, on Facebook. Saleh reported her uncle was killed in Gaza on May 19 2021.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An image of Hasan Borno taken at his funeral after being killed by alleged Israeli artillery shelling or gunfire on May 19 2021 while tending to his land. Image posted by Wajdi Mohammad on Facebook.
  • An image reporting to be the funeral of Hasan Borno, showing a large crowd gathered to mourn the 63 year old farmer, allegedly killed by Israeli artillery shelling or gunfire on May 19 2021 in southeast Gaza. Image posted on Facebook by Jehad Al Ashour.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Juhr Al Dik (حجر الديك), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.458104, 34.439708. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery, Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • 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

M21ISPT117

Incident date

May 19, 2021

Location

المصري ,دير البلح, Al Mashaaleh, Dier Al Balah, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.413506, 34.333297 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Artillery caused extensive destruction to the Al-Masry family home, according to local sources, on May 19th 2021 in the neighbourhood of Al Mashaaleh, within the town of Deir Al Balah, in Gaza. Up to two people were reportedly seriously injured.

According to Safa, the Palestinian Press Agency, the attack happened at 5.10pm.

Local sources, such as @sabaahamzeh1, attributed this attack to “Israeli warplanes.”

The majority of sources reported that there were “two serious injuries” that were taken to the hospital for treatment. However, Alwasta News identified only one serious injury from the strikes.

Al Haq reported that during the period between 17th May and 19th May, they “documented the targeting of 14 residential properties throughout the Gaza Strip, causing their partial or complete destruction, only four of the owners having reported prior warning by the IOF, including civilian properties in various locations throughout the Gaza Strip,” and included the Al-Masry family house in this list.

It was reported since that Yasser Al-Masry Abu Musab, Commander of the Deir al-Balah Brigade of Al-Qassam died from injuries that he sustained in this attack.

The incident occured at 17:10:00 local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • 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

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (7) [ collapse]

  • Damage to the Al-Masry family Deir Al Balah on May 19, 2021. (Image posted by @EA_770)
  • family Deir Al Balah on May 19, 2021. (Image posted by @EA_770)
  • family Deir Al Balah on May 19, 2021. (Image posted by @EA_770)
  • family Deir Al Balah on May 19, 2021. (Image posted by @EA_770)
  • Strikes posted by @Zain_Nagdiya
  • Strikes posted by @Zain_Nagdiya
  • Strikes posted by @Zain_Nagdiya

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the Al Mashaaleh (المصري) neighborhood, within the town of Deir Al Balah (دير البلح), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.413506, 34.333297. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Reports of the incident mention the Al Mashaaleh (المصري) neighborhood, within the town of Deir Al Balah (دير البلح).

    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
    Artillery
  • 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

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

PALIS030

Incident date

May 19, 2021

Location

سديروت, Sderot, Israel

Geolocation

31.522778, 34.595278 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Five rockets were fired by Al Qassam into the city of Sderot, injuring at least two civilians on May 19, 2021. Al Qassam confirmed that they had attacked the city of Sderot that day.

The rockets reportedly caused damage to several buildings and cars, according to multiple sources. It was reported that either two or three of the rockets directly hit buildings.

The two civilians were reported injured when one of the rockets hit their house whilst they were in the basement with their family. Those injured were a 65 year old man who sustained minor injuries and a 72 year old man who sustained a head injury. According to two sources the 65 year old was treated at the scene, whilst the 72 year old was taken to Barzilai Hospital. One source also reported that a number of civilians experienced anxiety in relation to the attack.

MDA paramedic Alex Kosinov said: “The wounded man was with his family in the basement of the house that was hit by the RCC. We were told that the force of the hit and the blow fell.”

Whilst the majority of sources reported the weaponry used as rockets, three sources claimed that a rocket propelled grenade was used. Multiple sources reported that the attack caused the electricity to cut out.

No sources reported the time of the incident, although the MDA reported that the injured were treated within the window of 12.00am and 9.55pm.

Al Qassam posted on their Telegram channel at 15:47 and 17:25 that the “Al-Qassam Brigades bombed the usurped “Sderot” with a missile launch” and later posted that “The enemy admits that there were injuries, direct damage to a building, and power outages after the recent Qassam bombing of the usurped “Sderot”.

The incident occured between 1:47 pm and 5:25 pm local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • 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
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • Site where a Palestinian rocket directly penetrated a building in Sderot on May 19 2021 (image via PalastineNow)
  • Damage to a building hit by a Palestinian rocket in Sderot on May 19 2021 (image via Shihab)
  • Car damaged by a Palestinian rocket that hit Sderot on May 19 2021 (image via Shihab)
  • Car damaged by a Palestinian rocket that hit Sderot on May 19 2021 (image via Shihab)
  • A man who appears to be from the Home Front Command shines a torch in front of a building hit by a Palestinian rocket in Sderot on May 19 2021 (image via Srugim)
  • Car damaged by a Palestinian rocket that hit Sderot on May 19 2021 (image via Aqsa)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Sderot (שדרות), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.522778, 34.595278 Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Palestinian Militants Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    Palestinian Militants
  • Palestinian Militants position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    2

Original strike reports

Palestinian Militants
Official source

19 May 2021
17:25
Al-Qassam Brigades bombed the usurped "Sderot" with a missile launch

15:47
Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades
Al-Qassam Brigades bombard the usurped "Sderot" with a missile launch

17:34
The enemy admits that there were injuries, direct damage to a building, and power outages after the recent Qassam bombing of the usurped "Sderot"

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • 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
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

PALIS029

Incident date

May 19, 2021

Location

عسقلان, Ashkelon, Israel

Geolocation

31.666667, 34.566667 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Rockets fired by Al-Qassam hit the city of Ashkelon, reportedly leading to injuries for between six and eight civilians who fell whilst running to bomb shelters.

Civilians were transferred to Barzillai Hospital for treatment.

According to one source, around 5.30pm eight physically injured civilians arrived at Barzillai hospital including one victim who was injured in the hip whilst running to the emergency room, a 32 year old who was hit in the face with shrapnel, a 26 year old victim who was hit in the blast, and a 33 year old man who fell from a bicycle during the alarm. However, it was not clear whether these victims sustained their injuries during this incident as no other sources reported any biographical information.

According to two reports from Ashkelon Post, three Ashkelon residents had arrived at the hospital that day around midnight, including a 46 year old woman who sustained a leg injury whilst running to a police station, a 52 year old civilian who was taken for a neurological examination and a civilian who was experiencing anxiety. However, it was also not clear whether these victims sustained their injuries during this incident as no other sources reported any biographical information and the time of incident was unclear.

The time of the incident was not reported by any sources, although Al-Qassam Brigades released a statement at 18.05 claiming they had launched a missile into Ashkelon.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    6–8
  • Causes of injury / death
    Accidents related to conflict, 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
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Ashkelon (אשקלון), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.666667, 34.566667. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Palestinian Militants Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Palestinian Militants
Official source

18:05
Al-Qassam Brigades bombard occupied Ashkelon with a missile launch



Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    6–8
  • Causes of injury / death
    Accidents related to conflict, 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
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT106

Incident date

May 18, 2021

Location

الزانه, خان يونس, Al Zana, Khan Younis, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.339462, 34.324550 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Five civilians were reported injured in an alleged Israeli artillery strike on the area of Al-Zana, east of Khan Yunis on May 18th 2021, according to local reports.

Paltimes reported the injuries ranged from light to moderate.

Twitter user, Belal Nazar, said: “Smoke shells were fired at Al-Zana area, east of Khan Yunis. Heavy artillery shelling in the eastern border areas of the Gaza Strip.”

Palestine Now reported that at 13:30 Israeli artillery fired several smoke shells at Palestinian homes in Al-Zana. Other sources reported that later that day, at around 10:30pm, the same area was targeted by airstrikes.

Al Hayah Brs reported that shelling affected the area near Ibn Al-Nafis School.

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • 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 (32) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • "The occupation bombs the Al-Zana area, east of Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip." Image courtesy of @Noraljnat on Twitter.
  • "The occupation bombs the Al-Zana area, east of Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip." Image courtesy of @Noraljnat on Twitter.
  • "The occupation bombs the Al-Zana area, east of Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip." Image courtesy of @Noraljnat on Twitter.
  • #Watch..smoke shells were fired at Al-Zana area, east of Khan Yunis

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the area of Al Zana (الزانه), allegedly located east of Khan Younis (خان يونس) city. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Khan Younis 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
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • 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 (32) [ collapse]

Incident Code

PALIS028

Incident date

May 18, 2021

Location

جنوب اسرائيل, Ohad, Israel

Geolocation

31.237596, 34.431781 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two Thai nationals were killed, and as many as 20 people injured, when a rocket reportedly fired by the Al-Qassam Brigades struck an agricultural packaging plant in the town of Ohad, in southern Israel on May 18th, 2021, according to local reports.

The Al Qassam Brigade released a statement claiming responsibility for the strike in their Telegram channel: “The missile strike, which led to the death of 2 and the wounding of 20 others, was directed by the Al-Qassam Brigades towards the “Ohad” moshav within the Mtiftim complex in the Eshkol Regional Council, in which Q20 missiles were used.”

Two foreign workers, Weerawat Karunborirak, 44, and Sikharin Sangamram, 24, were on a break with colleagues when their residential compound was struck, said Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both were killed in the strike.

Police said the strike injured eight others, including one seriously and one moderately, according to the Time of Israel. The Magen David Adom ambulance service said the injured were transferred to Soroka Hospital by ambulance and helicopter. Images published by Ynet show that at least one woman was among the injured. On May 21st, 2021 the Bangkok Post reported that one man, Attarachai Thamkaew, 28, was still in hospital following the incident.

Weerawat Karunborirak arrived in Israel in 2018 with the intention of earning enough money to build a home for his family in Thailand, the construction of which ended before he had a chance to live in it, reported the Bangkok Post. Mr Karunborirak’s wife said her husband would call home twice a day, when he did not call on Tuesday she became worried and subsequently learned of his death through a friend. “I was shocked and I am still confused. I really don’t know what to do,” Ms Ruenrat told the Post.

Sikharin Sangamram, a husband and father of four, had recently arrived in the country; he had worked at the plant in Ohad for three days before he was killed, reported Haaretz.

A spokesperson for the Eshkol Regional Council said the workers had had access to a portable domed bomb shelter but had chosen not to use it, while Haaretz reported the shelters provided were too small to accommodate all of the workers on the site. Walla News quoted a Thai worker, interviewed by the BBC, who said that prior to the strike there had been no warning alarm.

The strike is believed to have taken place at noon.

The incident occured around midday.

The victims were named as:

Weerawat Karunborirak
44 years old male killed
Sikharin Sangamram
24 years old male killed
Attarachai Thamkaew
28 years old male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    20
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (49) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (11) [ collapse]

  • ashkubit.com Rescue Union spokesperson via [ashkubit.com]
  • Weerawat Karunborirak's widow is seen with a pictures of her late husband. Image courtesy of Ynet
  • People wounded in the rocket strike on Ohad arrive at Soroka Hospital (Photo: Herzl Yosef visa Ynet)
  • The scene of the strike (Photo: AP via Ynet)
  • Relatives of the two workers killed by a rocket in Moshav Ohad hold their pictures. From Thailand's state television Footage Photograph: Thai PBS World
  • The Q20 missile that was used in the Qassam missile strike on the Moshav "Ohad" within the Muftahim compound in the Eshkol Regional Council, which led to the killing of 2 and the wounding of 20 others. (Image posted by @amansouraja)
  • Damage to vehicles and fire caused by Qassam missile strike on the Moshav "Ohad" within the Muftahim compound in the Eshkol Regional Council. (Image posted by @Abu_Obeida0)
  • The moment the #Qassam Brigades were targeted with missiles, the settlement of Ohad, in the Mfathim complex
  • This led to the death of 2 and the wounding of 20.. The Qassam missile strike with Q20 rockets on Moshav “# Ohad” in the Miftaim complex in Eshkol, which is about 10 km from the fleeting wire
  • #See It led to the killing of 2 and wounding of 20.. The Qassam missile strike with Q20 missiles on the Moshav "Ohad" in the Mtifhim complex in Ashkol, which is about 10 km from the fleeting wire

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Ohad (אוהד), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.237596, 34.431781. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Palestinian Militants Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    Palestinian Militants
  • Palestinian Militants position on incident
    Credible / Substantiated
    The investigation assessed that although all feasible precautions were taken and the decision to strike complied with the law of armed conflict, unintended civilian casualties regrettably occurred.
  • Initial Airwars grading
    Confirmed
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    2
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    20

Original strike reports

Palestinian Militants
Official source

13:32
The missile strike, which led to the death of 2 and the wounding of 20 others, was directed by the Al-Qassam Brigades towards the "Ohad" moshav within the Mtiftim complex in the Eshkol Regional Council, in which Q20 missiles were used.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    20
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Confirmed
    A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
  • Known attacker
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (49) [ collapse]

Incident Code

PALIS027

Incident date

May 17, 2021

Location

اسدود, Ashdod, Israel

Geolocation

31.782817, 34.644450 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A heavy barrage of rockets launched by Al Qassam towards the city of Ashdod injured at least three civilians, directly hitting and significantly damaging a four story residential building, according to several sources. Al Qassam claimed responsibility for the attack.

Whilst most residents of the building were located in the protected stairwell and were therefore unharmed, according to multiple reports three civilians sustained minor injuries from shattered glass and five civilians were treated for symptoms of stress relating to the attack. One source claimed that two of those treated were children however it was unclear from this report whether they were physically injured. No other sources reported that children were physically injured.

A tweet from @Arabi21News put the number of injuries in Ashdod at 12 while @skynewsarabia reported that eight people were injured. However, it is unclear if the five “stress symptoms” were included in these numbers or if these were physically injuries.

Whilst one source claimed there were suspicions of a civilian trapped under rubble, another source stated that this suspicion was later disproved.

Whilst one source put the time of incident at 1.43pm, another source reported the time of the incident to be 1.31pm which was later confirmed by an Al-Qassam Brigades statement claiming responsibility for the attack.

The incident occured at 13:31:00 local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–7
  • 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
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (30) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (28) [ collapse]

  • Damage to a four story building hit by Palestinian rockets, fired into Ashdod on May 17 2021 (image via @AqsaTVChannel)
  • A Firefighter examines damage to a residential building hit by a Palestinian rocket fired in Ashdod on May 17 2021 (image via @qudsn)
  • A Firefighter examines damage to a residential building hit by a Palestinian rocket fired in Ashdod on May 17 2021 (image via @qudsn)
  • A soldier from Home Front Command looks at the direct internal damage to a building hit by a Palestinian rocket fired into Ashdod on the 17 May 2021 (image via @SyriawatanNews)
  • Damage to a building hit by a Palestinian rocket fired into Ashdod on the 17 May 2021 (image via @SyriawatanNews)
  • A soldier from Home Front Command looks at the damage to a building hit by a Palestinian rocket fired into Ashdod on the 17 May 2021 (image via @SyriawatanNews)
  • A soldier from Home Front Command stands in front of a building hit by a Palestinian rocket fired into Ashdod on the 17 May 2021 (image via @SyriawatanNews)
  • Damage to a building hit by a Palestinian rocket fired into Ashdod on the 17 May 2021 (image via @qudsn)
  • External damage to a building hit by a Palestinian rocket fired into Ashdod on the 17 May 2021 (image via @qudsn)
  • 'Pictures of the effects of the missile strikes from #غزة on the city #أسدود'
  • 'Witness: 8 settlers were injured in a missile attack that targeted a building in the city of #أسدود occupied.'
  • External damage to a building hit by a Palestinian rocket fired into Ashdod on the 17 May 2021 (image via @shehab)
  • A woman carries a laptop outside a building damaged by a Palestinian rocket fired into Ashdod on the 17 May 2021 (image via @shehab)
  • Damage to a building hit by a Palestinian rocket fired into Ashdod on the 17 May 2021 (image via @shehab)
  • A woman walks through a building damaged by a Palestinian rocket fired into Ashdod on the 17 May 2021 (image via @shehab)
  • MDA medics overlook a building hit by a Palestinian rocket fired into Ashdod on 17 May 2021 (image via @mdais)
  • An MDA medic makes a phone call in front of a building hit by a Palestinian rocket fired into Ashdod on 17 May 2021 (image via @mdais)
  • Two men stand in front of the point where a Palestinian rocket hit a building in Ashkelon on May 17 2021 (image via @OrenZiv1985)
  • Internal damage to a building hit by a Palestinian rocket in Ashkelon on May 17 2021 (image via OrenZiv1985)
  • Damage to homes caused by rocket strikes on Ashdod on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by Ashdodnet)
  • Damage to homes caused by rocket strikes on Ashdod on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by Ashdodnet)

Geolocation notes (4) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a residential building being struck in Ashdod (אשדוד). Analyzing audio-visual material from sources, we have narrowed down the location of the strike to these exact coordinates: 31.782817, 34.644450.

  • Reports of the incident mention a residential building being struck in Ashdod (אשדוד).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • Tagged visual evidence from panoramic stitch of source imagery.

    Imagery:
    @AJArabic

  • Distribution of tags in available Google Street View imagery.

    Imagery:
    Google Maps

  • Distribution of tags in available Google Street View imagery.

    Imagery:
    Google Maps

Palestinian Militants Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Palestinian Militants
Official source

12 Zionists were wounded and a large number of buildings were damaged in the Qassam bombing that targeted Ashdod and Netivot, followed by the firing of rockets at Kiryat Malachi, the wiretapping base 8200 (Urim), Netivot, and the Hatzrim and Tselem military bases.
This afternoon, the battalions targeted a warship off the coast of Gaza with a missile launch, the Hatzrim air base with a missile launch, Kibbutz "Erez" and the "Mars" military site with a number of mortar shells.
In the early hours of Monday, Ashkelon, "Ofkim", occupied Beersheba and Netivot fired rockets in response to the continued aggression against civilians.
In the last hours of Sunday, Al-Qassam bombed the usurped "Netivot" and the occupation army mobilized near "Zikim" and usurped "Kfar Izza", "Nir Oz", the "Karm Abu Salem" site, the "Sofa" and "Nahal Oz" site, with a number of Mortar shells confirmed casualties in the ranks of the enemy, preceded by the bombing of the usurped "Sderot" with a missile launch.
The continuous Qassam bombing resulted in the Zionist entity inflicting heavy human and economic losses, and led to the killing - so far - of 10 Zionists - including a Zionist officer - while more than 650 others were wounded, in addition to the damage of more than 100 buildings, the destruction of dozens of vehicles and the infliction of significant material damage. Ben Gurion International Airport.

The Qassam response continues (the eighth day) of the Battle of Seif al-Quds..

- 22:17 Al-Qassam Brigades bombarded a crowd of enemy forces near "Nir Am" with a missile launch.

- 21:40 Al-Qassam Brigades bombard the usurped "Sderot" with a missile launch.

- 21:11 Al-Qassam Brigades bombed the usurped "Netivot" with a missile launch.

- 20:34 Al-Qassam Brigades bombarded a crowd of enemy soldiers near "Nir Aam" with mortar shells.

- 19:51 Al-Qassam Brigades bombed the usurped "Nahal Oz" with a missile launch.

- 17:52 Al-Qassam Brigades bombarded the "Ra'im" and "Hatzor" bases with rocket barrages.

17:02 Al-Qassam Brigades bombed Tel Nof air base with a missile launch.

- 16:15 Al-Qassam Brigades bombarded "Yiftach" site with heavy-caliber mortar shells.

- 16:10 Al-Qassam Brigades bombard the usurped "Kfar Azza" with mortar shells.

- 15:00 Al - Qassam Brigades bomb "Kiryat Malachi" Touloul missile.

- 14:35 Al-Qassam Brigades bombed the listening base 8200 (Urim), and renewed shelling of "Netivot" with rockets.

- 14:09 Al-Qassam Brigades bombed the "Sofa" support site with mortar shells.

- 14:06 Al-Qassam Brigades bombard "Netivot" and the "Hatzarim" and "Tselem" military bases with rocket salvoes.

- 13:31 Al-Qassam Brigades launched a missile strike with dozens of missiles at Ashdod, Ashkelon and Beersheba in response to the enemy's hollow rebellion against our people in the Gaza Strip.

- 13:18 Al-Qassam Brigades target a Zionist barge in the open sea off the shores of Gaza with a missile launch

- 13:15 Al-Qassam Brigades begins a massive missile response in response to the enemy's hollow orgy against our people in the Gaza Strip last night and the continuous aggression against our people

- 12:52 Al-Qassam Brigades bombarded the "Mars" military site with mortar shells

- 13:05 Qassam Brigades bomb "Ansrim" air base Touloul missile

- 12:46 Al-Qassam Brigades bombard Kibbutz "Erez" with mortar shells

- 11:35 Al-Qassam Brigades bombed the "Kissufim" site with a missile launch and a big fire broke out in the place

- 11:05 Al-Qassam Brigades bombard occupied Ashkelon with a missile launch in response to the continuous aggression against civilians

- 01:15 Al-Qassam Brigades bombard occupied Ashkelon with a missile launch in response to the continuous aggression against civilians.

- 00:45 Al-Qassam Brigades bombard the usurped "Netivot" with a missile launch.

- 00:30 Al-Qassam Brigades bombard the usurper of the Zionist "Ofakim" with a missile launch.

- 00:00 Al-Qassam Brigades bombard occupied Beersheba with a missile launch in response to the continuous aggression against civilians.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–7
  • 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
    Palestinian Militants

Sources (30) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT083

Incident date

May 16, 2021

Location

بشارع عوني ضهير, Awni Daheer Street, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.280990, 34.265038 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Street level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians, one of whom was reportedly a freelance journalist, were severely injured in an alleged Israeli artillery strike on Rafah in the Southern Gaza Strip during the early hours of May 16th 2021.

Ra’ed Mohammed Abdel Wahab Sabbah, aged 46, and Alam al-Deen Abdel Rahman Mohammed Sabbah, aged 23, were reportedly injured by shrapnel from an artillery shell that struck Awni Duhair Street in Rafah around 00:20, according to the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR). Multiple sources including PCHR have reported that both sustained serious injuries, with family members reporting via social media that Ra’ed, a freelance journalist, required intensive medical care.

The Israeli military has not acknowledged the strike, which appears to have been the result of artillery shelling. One source, an individual called Fathi Sabbah, posted on Facebook that the shell came from an Israeli tank stationed behind the Gaza separation barrier. There is also direct footage of the moments of the strike, taken by Alam al-Deen Abdel Rahman Mohammed Sabbah, one of the victims.

The incident occured at approximately 12:20 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Ra’ed Mohammed Abdel Wahab Sabbah رائد محمد عبد الوهاب صباح
46 years old injured
Alam al-Deen Abdel Rahman Mohammed Sabbah علم الدين عبد الرحمن محمد صباح
23 years old injured in his hand injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • 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 (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Image of Ra’ed Mohammed Abdel Wahab Sabbah, seriously injured in alleged Israeli shelling of Rafah on May 16th, 2021. (Image posted by Abu Mohammad Sabah, cousin of the injured man)
  • The moment I was randomly targeted by an artillery shell in the city of Rafah, injuring me with several shrapnel

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention Awni Daheer Street (بشارع عوني ضهير), in Rafah (رفح‎), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.280990, 34.265038. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Reports of the incident mention Awni Daheer Street (بشارع عوني ضهير), in Rafah (رفح‎).

    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
    Artillery
  • 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 (12) [ collapse]