Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

M21ISPT095

Incident date

May 17, 2021

Location

دير البلح, Deir Al Balah, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.418995, 34.349442 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two children, Youssef Rafiq Ismail Al-Baz (13) and Ramadan Rafiq Al-Baz (16), were reported killed and between one and three civilians were reported injured in an alleged Isreali airstrike at approximately 12:40pm, in Deir Al Balah along Salah El-Din Road on May 17th, 2021.

Local sources reported that, without prior warning, an Isreali aerial drone launched a missile at the home of the Al Baz family, near the Al-Aqsa Hospital.

Al Meza news stated that Youssef Rafik Al-Baz was killed directly, whilst his brother Ramadan was in a critical condition, and both were brought to the Al-Aqsa Hospital. Ramadan succumbed to his severe injuries in the hospital, after receiving treatment for shrapnel injuries.

Youssef was a seventh grader at the Rudol Filter (A) school for Boys in the Central Education Directorate.

Al-HAQ released a report stating that due to the attack, a nearby car workshop and the Al-Baz family home were damaged. @mohamd14824342 also pinpointed the location of the strikes to near an UNRWA center on Salah El-Din Street.

Mashrqnews and other local sources reported that further civilians were injured during the attack, estimates vary between one and three injured civilians.

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Youssef Rafiq Ismail Al-Baz يوسف رفيق الباز
13 years old male killed
Ramadan Rafiq Al-Baz رمضان رفيق الباز
16 years old male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–3
  • 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 (40) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • Graphic image of Youssef Rafiq Al-Baz, killed in Israeli strikes on Deir Al Balah on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by @adham922)
  • Mourning the victims of the strikes on Deir Al Balah on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by @AlmakdesyMedia)
  • Image of Youssef Rafiq Al-Baz, killed in Israeli strikes on Deir Al Balah on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by Yousef, a cousin of the deceased, via Facebook)
  • Image of Ramadan Rafiq Al-Baz, killed in Israeli strikes on Deir Al Balah on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by Yousef, a cousin of the deceased, via Facebook)
  • Image of Youssef Rafiq Al-Baz, killed in Israeli strikes on Deir Al Balah on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by @_G4Z4)
  • The convoys of martyrs continue. My uncle’s house was bombed without warning, and the cousin was seriously injured: Ramadan Rafiq Al-Baz, and the death of his cousin, the young cousin: Youssef Rafiq Al-Baz. We belong to Allah and for him we will return
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of Youssef Rafiq Al-Baz, killed in Israeli strikes on Deir Al Balah on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by Deir Albalah via Facebook)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Deir Al Balah (دير البلح), for which the geneirc coordinates are: 31.418995, 34.349442. 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, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 children)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–3
  • 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 (40) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT096

Incident date

May 17, 2021

Location

وادي السلقا , Wadi Al Salqa, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.394674, 34.368668 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Suleinman Issam and a member of the Abu Musa family (age 29) were reported wounded by shelling from an alleged Israeli airstrike in Wadi al-Salq at 8:40 am on May 17th, 2021.

Local sources reported that Suleiman Issam was moderately wounded by the shrapnel from artillery shells targeting the Al-Batound Street in Wadi al-Saqa in Deir al-Balah. He received treatment for his wounds in the Al-Aqsa hospital.

NBD news stated that the member of the Abu Musa family was seriously injured but did not mention whether he was brought to the hospital for treatment.

Various sources that reported on the incident attributed the airstrike to an Israeli reconnaissance plane.

The incident occured at 08:40:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Suleiman Issam سليمان عصام
Age unknown injured
a member of the Abu Musa family أبو موسى
29 years old injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • 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 (20) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention Al Batoun Street (شارع الباطون), allegedly located in the agricultural town of Wadi Al Salqa (وادي السلقا). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Wadi Al Salqa are: 31.394674, 34.368668.

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
  • 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 (20) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT097

Incident date

May 17, 2021

Location

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

Airwars assessment

Two young men were killed and two others were injured by an IDF UAV at 5:30 pm near the Hammouda clinic in Beit Lahiya. Both young men killed were identified by official sources as being members of militant groups while the two others injured were identified as civilians.

Various local sources reported on the death of Ahmed Ziyad Sabah (29) and  Muhammad Nazeer Abu Oun (18), who were allegedly killed by an Israeli airstrike targeting a group of people near the Hamouda roundabout opposite of the Hammouda medical clinic. Furthermore, PCHR Gaza released a report, asserting that two other citizens were injured, one of whom was seriously injured.

@palestino_free posted on twitter: ” Muhammad Nazir Abu Aoun was sitting at the door of his house in the safety of God, when a shrapnel hit him in his chest, so he entered the house and climbed the stairs and went to his mother to see her for the last time (Mother, I cannot breathe);”.

A post by Ahmad Abu Sedo on Facebook identified Ahmed Ziyad Sabah as being a scout leader and included a photo of him with a child in a scout uniform.

Contrasting to that statement, a different local source stated that the civilians were killed, as a result of the targeted attack of a civilian car.

The Izz al-Din Qassam Brigades Telegram channel identified Muhammas Nazeer abu Oun as a member of the Hamas’ military wing and Ahmed Ziyad Sabah was identified by the Palestine Islamic Jihad’s military wing as a member of the Artillery Corps Mujahideen in the North Gaza Brigades.

All of the sources pointed to Israel as being responsible for the strike.

The incident occured at approximately 5:30 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
  • 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
    2

Sources (39) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (12) [ collapse]

  • Ahmed Ziyad Sabbah, 28 years old, claimed to be a member of the Artillery Corps Mujahideen in the North Gaza Brigades, was killed in airstrikes near the Hammouda clinic in Beit Lahiya on May 17, 2021. (mage posted by @mds123111)
  • Airstrikes near the Hammouda clinic in Beit Lahiya on May 17, 2021. (mage posted by Amad News)
  • Rescue crews search for victims of airstrikes near the Hammouda clinic in Beit Lahiya on May 17, 2021. (mage posted by Amad News)
  • Rescue crews search for victims of airstrikes near the Hammouda clinic in Beit Lahiya on May 17, 2021. (mage posted by Amad News)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Very graphic image of the body of Ahmed Ziyad Sabbah, 28 years old, claimed to be a member of the Artillery Corps Mujahideen in the North Gaza Brigades, was killed in airstrikes near the Hammouda clinic in Beit Lahiya on May 17, 2021. (mage posted by Mohammad Sabbah, Ahmed's cousin)
  • Ahmed Ziyad Sabbah, 28 years old, identified as being a scout leader, was killed in airstrikes near the Hammouda clinic in Beit Lahiya on May 17, 2021. (mage posted by Ahmad Abu Sedo)
  • Ahmed Ziyad Sabbah, 28 years old, identified as being a scout leader, was killed in airstrikes near the Hammouda clinic in Beit Lahiya on May 17, 2021. (mage posted by Ahmad Abu Sedo)
  • Muhammas Nazzer Abu Oun (18), claimed to be part of Hamas' military wing, was killed in airstrikes near the Hammouda clinic in Beit Lahiya on May 17, 2021. (mage posted by Goldsmith Mohamed Abu Oun via Facebook)
  • Ahmad Ziyad Sabah, identified as a member of the Mobilization Unit of the Al-Quds Brigades, killed in strikes on Beit Lahiya on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya PS)
  • Ahmad Ziyad Sabah, identified as a member of the Mobilization Unit of the Al-Quds Brigades, killed in strikes on Beit Lahiya on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya PS)
  • Ahmad Ziyad Sabah, identified as a member of the Mobilization Unit of the Al-Quds Brigades, killed in strikes on Beit Lahiya on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya PS)
  • Ahmad Ziyad Sabah, identified as a member of the Mobilization Unit of the Al-Quds Brigades, killed in strikes on Beit Lahiya on May 17, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya PS)

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, Drone Strike
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2

Sources (39) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT084

Incident date

May 16, 2021

Location

قرب دوار القرم, Vicinity of Al Qarm roundabout, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.518376, 34.488863 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One man was reported killed and up to four others were reported injured when an alleged Israeli airstrike struck a group of people near the Qurum roundabout, East of Jabalia, in the northern part of the Gaza Strip in the early hours of 16 May. Al Qassam identified the man killed as being a member of the Mujahid Qassami.

Various sources have confirmed the death of Tariq Ziyad Mustafa Abu Humaidan, aged 19 or 20, in an airstrike around 00:15. Tariq was an engineering student at Al-Isra’a university. The university also reported his death on its official Facebook page. However, Al Qassam Brigades also posted a memorial for him on their website, referring to him as a “Mujahid Qassami”.

Multiple sources, including Nabd News and Shams News reported three other injuries, with Al Mezan and Al Haq amongst those reporting two. Of those injured, one was serious, requiring the amputation of a leg, according to the Palestinian Center for Human Rights. The other injuries have been described in the sources as moderate.

Various sources indicated that this was a drone strike, allegedly attributed to Israeli forces. The Israeli Defense Forces released a statement that “11:31 – A fighter jet attacked the home of the commander of the Kfar Jabalya battalion in Hamas, from which military combat infrastructure operated.”

The incident occured at approximately 12:15 am local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared 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.
  • Known attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Known target
    Palestinian Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (28) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • Image of Tariq Ziyad Mustafa Abu Humaidan, aged 19 or 20, killed in airstrikes near the Qurum roundabout, East of Jabalia, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by @fidaazaanin)
  • Image of Tariq Ziyad Mustafa Abu Humaidan, aged 19 or 20, killed in airstrikes near the Qurum roundabout, East of Jabalia, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by @fidaazaanin)
  • Image of Tariq Ziyad Mustafa Abu Humaidan, aged 19 or 20, killed in airstrikes near the Qurum roundabout, East of Jabalia, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by @fidaazaanin)
  • Image of Tariq Ziyad Mustafa Abu Humaidan, aged 19 or 20, killed in airstrikes near the Qurum roundabout, East of Jabalia, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Zakaria.abuhmedan via Facebook)
  • Image of Tariq Ziyad Mustafa Abu Humaidan, aged 19 or 20, killed in airstrikes near the Qurum roundabout, East of Jabalia, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Al Qassam PS)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of Tariq Ziyad Mustafa Abu Humaidan, aged 19 or 20, killed in airstrikes near the Qurum roundabout, East of Jabalia, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by , father of deceased, via Facebook)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the vicinity of Al Qarm (القرم) roundabout within Jabalia (جباليا). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Al Qarm roundabout are: 31.518376, 34.488863.

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Israeli Military

11:31 - A fighter jet attacked the home of the commander of the Kfar Jabalya battalion in Hamas, from which military combat infrastructure operated.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared 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.
  • Known attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Known target
    Palestinian Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (28) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT086

Incident date

May 16, 2021

Location

مصبح, Musbah, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.303878, 34.277758 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two men, likely to have been members of Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), were killed and a civilian was injured in an alleged Israeli drone strike on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, around 18:45 on the evening of May 16th 2021.

Multiple sources reported the death of Tariq Al-Qadi, aged 39 (some sources put his age at 36), and Sameh Al-Qadi, aged 23. Al Watan described the strike as being carried out by drones. Al Aqsa Voice and Al Watan also reported one further injury in the strike.

Saraya al-Quds, the paramilitary arm of PIJ, described both men as ‘shahid mujahids’ and posting photos of them in PIJ uniforms, indicating their likely status as combatants.

All of the sources that reported on the incident attributed the strikes to an Israeli drone.

The incident occured at approximately 6:45 pm local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    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.
  • Suspected attacker
    Palestinian Militants
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2

Sources (44) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (27) [ collapse]

  • Sameh Al-Qadi, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by @abu_jamil_)
  • Tariq Al-Qadi, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by @abu_jamil_)
  • Separator of the Mujahid Martyr / Tariq Mahmoud Al-Qadi
  • The Mujahid Martyr Separator / Sameh Jihad Al-Qadi
  • Sameh Al-Qadi and Tariq Al-Qadi, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Mohammad Suliman via Facebook)
  • Sameh Al-Qadi, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Basel via Facebook)
  • Sameh Al-Qadi, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Mohammad Abd via Facebook)
  • Sameh Al-Qadi, a member of the military wing of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya Palestine)
  • Sameh Al-Qadi, a member of the military wing of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya Palestine)
  • Sameh Al-Qadi, a member of the military wing of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya Palestine)
  • Sameh Al-Qadi, a member of the military wing of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya Palestine)
  • Sameh Al-Qadi, a member of the military wing of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya Palestine)
  • Tariq Al-Qadi, a member of the military wing of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya Palestine)
  • Tariq Al-Qadi, a member of the military wing of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya Palestine)
  • Tariq Al-Qadi, a member of the military wing of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya Palestine)
  • Tariq Al-Qadi, a member of the military wing of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya Palestine)
  • Tariq Al-Qadi, a member of the military wing of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya Palestine)
  • Tariq Al-Qadi, a member of the military wing of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Saraya Palestine)
  • May God have mercy on them and put them in peace Martyr: Tariq Al-Qadi Martyr: Sameh Al-Qadi
  • Sameh Al-Qadi and Tariq Al-Qadi, killed in drone strikes on on agricultural land near to Mosbeh, north of Rafah, on May 16, 2021. (Image posted by Neothedm via Reddit)
  • AMBULANCE BY THE HOUSE OF AL-QADI, BODY OF DEAD PERSON CARRIED ON STRETCHER PEOPLE HUGGING MEMBER OF AL-QADI FAMILY DURING FUNERAL
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic content / Relatives mourn by the body of Tareq al-Qadi, killed a day earlier in an Israeli air strike, during his funeral in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on May 17, 2021. (Photo by SAID KHATIB / AFP) (Photo by SAID KHATIB/AFP via Getty Images)
  • Relatives mourn by the body of Tareq al-Qadi, killed a day earlier in an Israeli air strike, during his funeral in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on May 17, 2021. (Photo by SAID KHATIB / AFP) (Photo by SAID KHATIB/AFP via Getty Images)
  • Relatives mourn during the funeral of Tareq al-Qadi, killed a day earlier in an Israeli air strike, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on May 17, 2021. (Photo by SAID KHATIB / AFP) (Photo by SAID KHATIB/AFP via Getty Images)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    EDITORS NOTE: Graphic content / Relatives mourn by the body of Tareq al-Qadi, killed a day earlier in an Israeli air strike, during his funeral in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on May 17, 2021. (Photo by SAID KHATIB / AFP) (Photo by SAID KHATIB/AFP via Getty Images)
  • Relatives mourn during the funeral of Tareq al-Qadi, killed a day earlier in an Israeli air strike, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, on May 17, 2021. (Photo by SAID KHATIB / AFP) (Photo by SAID KHATIB/AFP via Getty Images)
  • Mourners carry the body of Palestinian Tariq Al-Qadi, 36, who was killed during Israeli airstrikes, during his funeral in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, May 17, 2021. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Musbah (مصبح) area, north of Rafah (رفح). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. Possible generic coordinates for this area are: 31.303878, 34.277758.

Palestinian Militants Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Palestinian Militants
  • Palestinian Militants 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
  • 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
    Palestinian Militants
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2

Sources (44) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT087

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 people were reported injured in a strike on the Al-Jinnah neighbourhood of Rafah in the Southern Gaza Strip, in the early hours of May 16th 2021.

Various news outlets – including Al Kolfiya, SND Palestine, @News__Online – reported two injured in the Israeli strike on Awni Duhair Street, one of which was serious. Some English-language reporting – including @DaysofPalestine – noted that the location of the strike was a house on George Street in Rafah’s Al-Jinnah neighbourhood, with one source indicating that the house belonged to the Abdel-Al family.

Ahmad Abdel-Al, to whom the house may have belonged, has been designated as a Hamas military operative by the IDF. The IDF admitted to striking his house in the Rafah area on this date: “the home of Ahmad’ Abd al-‘al in Rafah, a leader in smuggling and holding a Hamas military portfolio, [was] attacked.” There is no evidence that Ahmad Abdel-Al was himself a casualty.

A single source – Omar Ashkar, who purportedly lives in Rafah –  contested both the strike and the reports of civilian casualties, denying that there had been any targeting of Awni Duhair Street. In addition, those sources reporting the strike differed on the mode of delivery, with Al Kolfiya describing it as a reconnaissance missile, and Days of Palestine noting the use of drones, but both identifying Israel.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–2
  • 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.
  • Known attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Known target
    Palestinian Forces

Sources (7) [ collapse]

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:

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

Original strike reports

Israeli Military

IDF website system | 16.05.2021

19:25 - As of 19:00: As of 7:00 this morning, about 190 shipments from Gaza to Israel have been identified. About 20 launches fell in the Gaza Strip. Air defense fighters intercepted dozens of rockets according to the interception policy.

18:43 - Forces attacked a Hamas weapons depot in the center of the Gaza Strip, as part of an effort to thwart the terrorist organization's fire capabilities, while closing intelligence and fire brigades of the Gaza Division.

18:33 - Fighter jets attack the Ministry of Homeland Security's Hamas terrorist organization, which serves as a military infrastructure, in the northern Gaza Strip.

Attack on the Hamas terrorist organization's Ministry of Internal Security

18:20 - Aircraft attacked an underground launch site of the terrorist organization GAP, in the southern Gaza Strip. In addition, a post of the terrorist organization Hamas in the northern Gaza Strip was attacked.

17:41 - Sea Arm fighters have thwarted about 80 targets since the beginning of the operation - watch as soon as the missile launcher was aimed at the center of the country.

16:45 - Fighter jets attacked the operational apartment of a Hamas military intelligence operative with an anti-tank missile position in the northern Gaza Strip.

16:33 - Fighters and aircraft attacked three more Hamas rocket launchers in the northern Gaza Strip. In addition, they thwarted six activists who were involved in preparing the launch.

15:07 - Aircraft attacked a weapons depot located in the home of a Hamas operative in the center of the Gaza Strip. In addition, aircraft of the organization attacked the organization's naval weapons depot in the southern Gaza Strip.

Attack on warehouses for the production of ammunition in the homes of Hamas operatives

14:02 - Fighters and aircraft attacked three more Hamas launch positions in the Gaza Strip.

11:58 - Fighter jets attacked military assets at Hamas intelligence headquarters in the northern Gaza Strip. The building employs intelligence activists from the organization, who formulate a snapshot for it. This attack constitutes damage to key infrastructure in Hamas.

Attack on military assets at Hamas intelligence headquarters


In the photo: military assets at Hamas' intelligence headquarters

11:31 - A fighter jet attacked the home of the commander of the Kfar Jabalya battalion in Hamas, from which military combat infrastructure operated.

Attack on the house of the commander of the Jabalya battalion in Hamas

11:20 - IDF fighter jets and aircraft attacked 11 rocket launchers in Sajaiya and Khan Yunis and a squad of terrorist operatives in Khan Yunis while launching rockets at Israeli territory.
11:10 - Fighter jets and aircraft attack a weapons depot in the central camp in Gaza, located in the home of a Hamas operative.

08:46 - As of 07:00: As of 19:00 last night, about 120 launches were identified from the Gaza Strip to Israeli territory. About 11 launches fell in the Gaza Strip. Air defense fighters intercepted many dozens of rockets under the interception policy.

07:00 - In the last 24 hours, IDF fighter jets and aircraft attacked more than 90 targets of the Hamas and GAP terrorist organizations throughout the Gaza Strip.


Attack on the house of Yahya Sinwar


In the photo: the house of Yahya Sanwar, head of the Hamas Politburo in Gaza

Among the targets attacked were the homes of Hamas Politburo Chairman Yahya Sinwar and his brother Muhammad Sinwar, who is in charge of the organization's supply and manpower in Khan Yunis. The houses served as a significant terrorist infrastructure.


In the photo: the home of Yahya Sanwar, head of the Hamas political bureau in the Gaza Strip

In addition, the office of Samah Saragh, head of planning and development at the organization's political bureau, the home of Yusuf 'Abd al-Wahab, commander of the Hamas olive battalion in Gaza City, and the home of Ahmad' Abd al-'al in Rafah, a leader in smuggling and holding a Hamas military portfolio, were attacked.

The operation against Hamas' "metro" project continues, in phase two, about thirty targets were attacked by fighter jets and using about 100 precision weapons. Tonight, the attacks focused on the northeast and center of the Gaza Strip. Fear among activists and senior members of the terrorist organization. "Hundreds of millions of dollars have been invested in the excavation of the tunnels, each meter of tunnel costs about $ 500," clarifies IDF spokesman Brigadier General Hedi Zilberman. ground. Nobody wants to take the metro anymore. "



Attack on the "Metro" Phase II


An important emphasis in the operation is the erosion of Hamas' rocket array, which is very important to the organization. In the last 36 hours, IDF forces have been able to attack about 40 multi-barreled launchers, including 4-9 barrels, and high barrage launch capabilities. The attacks were carried out successfully thanks to a new idea developed by officers during the fighting, And also in the launch squads.



Attack on rocket launchers in Gaza


In addition, dozens of weapons production and storage sites were attacked in Sabra Tel Aloha, Sheikh Umdan and Gaza City, some of which were stored in the homes of Hamas naval and airborne operatives, anti-tank squads and cyber-offensive units.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–2
  • 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.
  • Known attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Known target
    Palestinian Forces

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT080

Incident date

May 16, 2021

Location

الفخاري, Al Fukhari, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.295445, 34.333152 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An Israeli missile struck an area adjacent to civilian homes in Al-Fukhari, east of Khan Yunis, resulting in the injury of two civilians according to multiple sources.

Several sources reported the type of attack as a shelling, whilst two sources reported that an Israeli drone had launched a missile targeting a group of civilians. The two injured civilians were reportedly moderately injured and were taken by ambulance to hospital for treatment.

Two sources reported that the incident occurred at approximately 10.10pm

The incident occured at approximately 10:10 pm local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Airstrike and/or Artillery, Drone Strike
  • 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 town of Al Fukhari (الفخاري), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.295445, 34.333152. 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, Airstrike and/or Artillery, Drone Strike
  • 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]

Incident Code

M21ISPT070

Incident date

May 15, 2021

Location

المغازي, Al Maghazi, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.423444, 34.387658 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One man was killed in an alleged Israeli drone strike while riding a motorcycle in the central part of the Gaza Strip on Saturday, 15 May 2021.

Multiple sources have confirmed the death of Zaher Attia Muhammad Anbar, aged 37- 39, with the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR), Al Mezan and the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center (MAITIC) reporting the event as a drone strike. Sources differ on the precise location of the strike, but suggest that it took place to the east of the al-Maghazi and al-Bureij refugee camps, which neighbour one another, between 13:00 and 14:30.

A tweet from @AmjadAm71123770 reported that Anbar was the owner of a farm. PCHR added that after he was killed, he was taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir Al-Balah.

Anbar was from the Nuseirat refugee camp and was affiliated with Fatah, who published a mourning notice for the man. One other source also described Anbar as a member of the ‘Al Aqsa brigade’.

The IDF News Desk made the following statement at 20:27 the same day: “IDF locates and eliminates two Surface-to-Surface missile operatives belonging to the Islamic Jihad. A short while ago, IDF aircraft eliminated two Islamic Jihad Surface-to-Surface missile operatives located in Khan Yunis, and in the Meghazi refugee camp.” It is possible that this statement relates to the same strike event; in which case, the IDF’s opinion is that the man killed was affiliated with Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The IDF also posted a video of the strikes, although it is inconclusive.

All of the sources that identified a responsible party attributed the strikes to Israel.

The incident occured between 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • (0–1 men)
  • 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
    0–2

Sources (32) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (16) [ collapse]

  • Image of Zaher Atya Anbar, 37, killed by an Israeli airstrike that targeted his motorcycle, in Al Bureij refugee camp. (Image posted by @fidaazaanin)
  • Damage to Zaher Atya Anbar's motorcycle following strikes while he was riding in Al Bureij refugee camp. (Image posted by @fidaazaanin)
  • Image of Zaher Atya Anbar, 37, killed by an Israeli airstrike that targeted his motorcycle, in Al Bureij refugee camp. (Image posted by @AmjadAm71123770)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic mage of Zaher Atya Anbar, 37, killed by an Israeli airstrike that targeted his motorcycle, in Al Bureij refugee camp. (Image posted by Nidal.anber via Facebook)
  • Central Region (Fatah Movement) posted a memorial for Zaher Atya Anbar, whom they identified as a heroic martyr.
  • Funeral for Zaher Atya Anbar, 37, killed by an Israeli airstrike that targeted his motorcycle, in Al Bureij refugee camp. (Image posted by Abo Mohammad via Facebook)
  • Funeral for Zaher Atya Anbar, 37, killed by an Israeli airstrike that targeted his motorcycle, in Al Bureij refugee camp. (Image posted by Abo Mohammad via Facebook)
  • Funeral for Zaher Atya Anbar, 37, killed by an Israeli airstrike that targeted his motorcycle, in Al Bureij refugee camp. (Image posted by Abo Mohammad via Facebook)
  • The funeral of the martyr Zaher Anbar Abu Attia
  • Funeral for Zaher Atya Anbar, 37, killed by an Israeli airstrike that targeted his motorcycle, in Al Bureij refugee camp. (Image posted by Nawajha.tamer via Facebook)
  • Funeral for Zaher Atya Anbar, 37, killed by an Israeli airstrike that targeted his motorcycle, in Al Bureij refugee camp. (Image posted by Nawajha.tamer via Facebook)
  • Funeral for Zaher Atya Anbar, 37, killed by an Israeli airstrike that targeted his motorcycle, in Al Bureij refugee camp. (Image posted by Nawajha.tamer via Facebook)
  • Funeral for Zaher Atya Anbar, 37, killed by an Israeli airstrike that targeted his motorcycle, in Al Bureij refugee camp. (Image posted by Nawajha.tamer via Facebook)
  • Funeral for Zaher Atya Anbar, 37, killed by an Israeli airstrike that targeted his motorcycle, in Al Bureij refugee camp. (Image posted by Nawajha.tamer via Facebook)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a vehicle being struck in the vicinity of Al Maghazi (المغازي) camp, for which the generic coordinates are: 31.423444, 34.387658. Due to limited satellite imagery and 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

IDF locates and eliminates two Surface-to-Surface missile operatives belonging to the Islamic Jihad. A short while ago, IDF aircraft eliminated two Islamic Jihad Surface-to-Surface missile operatives located in Khan Yunis, and in the Meghazi refugee camp

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • (0–1 men)
  • 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
    0–2

Sources (32) [ collapse]