Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

M21ISPT067

Incident date

May 15, 2021

Location

البريج, Al Bureij Camp, 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 Israeli drone strike on open land east of Al-Bureij refugee camp in Central Gaza around 12.10 p.m. on Saturday 15 May 2021. His status as a civilian or belligerent is contested among various sources.

Various sources, including the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) and Al-Haq, both local human rights organisations, reported that Muhammad Salem Yousef Abu Ayesh, aged 34/35, was killed by a missile strike allegedly fired from a drone. The strike took place in open farmland to the East of Al-Bureij refugee camp in the central part of the Gaza Strip.

Camps203 posted on Facebook that the body of Ayesh was taken to Al-Aqsa Hospital following the strike. A cousin of Ayesh, Mostafa Oda, posted a memorial to his death on Facebook.

Among the sources he does not appear to be linked with Hamas. However, one source, Al Haq, reports that Ayesh was a “member of the Palestinian resistance”, while another source, a Fatah-linked Facebook page, has posted images memorialising Ayesh and affiliating him with Fatah.

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

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely 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.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Belligerents reported killed
    0–1

Sources (27) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Image posted by Fatah Movement - Martyrs of Maghazi area in memory of Mohammed Salem Abu Ayesh, killed in an Israeli drone strike on Al Bureij refugee camp on May 15, 2021.
  • Image of Mohammed Salem Abu Ayesh, killed in an Israeli drone strike on Al Bureij refugee camp on May 15, 2021. (Image posted by @fidaazaanin)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of Mohammed Salem Abu Ayesh, killed in an Israeli drone strike on Al Bureij refugee camp on May 15, 2021. (Image posted by @gazalivee)
  • The funeral of the 8th Mr. Muhammad Salem Abu Ayesh in the Maghazi camp

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention 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:

  • 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
    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.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Belligerents reported killed
    0–1

Sources (27) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT069

Incident date

May 15, 2021

Location

قيزان أبو رشوان, Qizan Abu Rashwan, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.329006, 34.283700 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between one and seven civilians were injured in alleged Israeli airstrikes on the Qizan Rashwan area on May 15th, 2021.

Multiple sources report a strike on a naval facility in the vicinity of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on Saturday 15 May 2021, amongst a series of strikes on the area.

Multiple sources suggest that the facility was in the Qizan Rashwan area between Khan Yunis and Rafah, while one source described it as a ‘marine rest house’.

The Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) and others described the strike as a drone strike, carried out around 14:00 that day.

PCHR have also reported that one person was seriously injured as a result of the strike, “an Israeli drone fired a missile at al-Qararah Municipality in northern Khan Younis. As a result, a person sustained serious wounds and was taken to Naser Hospital.” Al Mezan was alone in reporting seven injuries, although it is unclear if this figure has been collated from all strikes in southern Gaza that day, of which there were multiple. Elbalad also reported injuries but did not provide a number.

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

In an official press statement, the IDF on the 15th May stated: ” IDF fighter jets struck the house of Tisar Mevasher, commander of the Hamas ‘Karrara’ Battalion in Khan Yunis, and the house of Azi Tama’a, commander of the Hamas ‘Central Camps’ Brigade in Deir al-Balah. Both houses served as military infrastructure for the Hamas terror organization.” It is unclear at this time if this strike is referencing this event.

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

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    None known
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–7
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Suspected attacker
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Image of a strike on Khan Younis on May 15, 2021. (Image posted by @SyedWaqax5)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the Qizan Abu Rashwan (قيزان أبو رشوان) area, for which the generic coordinates are: 31.329006, 34.283700. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Reports of the incident mention the Qizan Abu Rashwan (قيزان أبو رشوان) area.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
  • position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

[18:52, 5/15/2021] IDF News Desk: IDF:

IDF strikes the houses of the commanders of the Hamas 'Central Camps' Brigade and the Hamas 'Karrara' Battalion, both of which served as Hamas military infrastructure

Earlier today, IDF fighter jets struck the house of Tisar Mevasher, commander of the Hamas 'Karrara' Battalion in Khan Yunis, and the house of Azi Tama'a, commander of the Hamas 'Central Camps' Brigade in Deir al-Balah. Both houses served as military infrastructure for the Hamas terror organization.

Damage to these infrastructures dealt a blow to the military capabilities of the Hamas terror organization.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    None known
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–7
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Suspected attacker
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces

Sources (12) [ 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]

Incident Code

M21ISPT076

Incident date

May 15, 2021

Location

شارع الجميزة, ال القرا, Gemmayzeh Street, Al Qaraa, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.375725, 34.343736 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One man was injured in a missile or drone strike allegedly carried out by Israeli forces on Saturday 15 May 2021 in Gemmayzeh Street, Al-Qarara, north of Khan Younis in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.

There are multiple reports of a young man being moderately injured in a missile strike while riding a bicycle at approximately 2pm, although the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) describes his injuries as serious. The injured civilian was taken to Nasser Hospital for treatment of his injuries, according to @wataniaps1.

@no_itsmyturn, an open-source online investigator, suggested that the strike had been aimed at underground military infrastructure in the vicinity. All of the sources attribute the strikes to Israel.

The incident occured at approximately 2:00 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
    Israeli Military
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Airstrikes near an empty field near Gemmayzeh Street, Al-Qarara on May 15, 2021. (Image posted by @no_itsmyturn)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention Gemmayzeh Street (شارع الجميزة), allegedly located in the Al Qaraa (ال القرا). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Al Qaraa are: 31.375725, 34.343736.

  • Reports of the incident mention Gemmayzeh Street (شارع الجميزة), allegedly located in the Al Qaraa (ال القرا).

    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, 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
    Israeli Military
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT054

Incident date

May 14, 2021

Location

بلدة عبسان الكبرى شرق خان يونس, Abasan Al Kabira, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.323253, 34.344088 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A man was killed and one to two civilians were injured in an Israeli airstrike which targeted a group of people in a town east of Khan Younis, multiple sources reported. The man killed was identified as a member of the Islamic Jihad Movement.

The man killed was identified as 23-year-old Walid Zuhair Mohammed Abu Shab who was reportedly from the town of Bani Sohila. The military wing of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine posted a memorial for Walid, identifying him as a “Mujahid Martyr” and adding that he “received a number of military courses that qualified him to be a staunch mujahid from the Mujahideen of the Artillery Corps of Khan Yunis.”

The extent of the wounded civilian’s injuries was not clear, with Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights saying they were moderate and another source reporting that they were serious. The identity of the individual is also not known. Amad News reported an additional injury.

All of the victims of the strikes were taken to Nasser Hospital.

Al Haq indicated that the missile fired came from a drone and attributed the strikes to Israel.

The incident occured at 20:10:00 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
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (25) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (17) [ collapse]

  • Image of Walid Zuhair Mohammed Abu Shab who was reportedly killed by an Israeli airstrike on May 14th, 2021 (image via @WTaoEonYbL8sXmU)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Image of the victim from a May 14th, 2021 alleged Israeli airstrike east of Khan Younis (image via Mohammed Saloum)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Image showing the funeral of 23-year-old Walid Zuhair Mohammed Abu Shab who was killed by an Israeli airstrike, according to multiple sources (image via Fath 1965)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Image showing the funeral of 23-year-old Walid Zuhair Mohammed Abu Shab who was killed by an Israeli airstrike, according to multiple sources (image via Fath 1965)
  • Mourners at the funeral of 23-year-old Walid Zuhair Mohammed Abu Shab. A missile reportedly targeted a group of people on May 14th, 2021, resulting in his death (image via Fath 1965)
  • Mourners carrying the body of 23-year-old Walid Zuhair Mohammed Abu Shab. A missile reportedly targeted a group of people on May 14th, 2021, resulting in his death (image via Fath 1965)
  • Mourners at the grave site of the young man killed in a reported Israeli airstrike (image via Fath 1965)
  • Translated caption reads: Safa correspondent: An Israeli air strike on a land in the town of Abasan al-Kabira, east of Khan Yunis governorate, in the southern Gaza Strip (via Nwlyapp)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Video showing funeral procession of the young man reportedly killed by an Israeli airstrike on May 14th, 2021
  • image of Walid Zuhair Abu Shab training with the Mujahideen of the Artillery Corps of Khan Yunis. (Image posted by Saraya PS)
  • image of Walid Zuhair Abu Shab training with the Mujahideen of the Artillery Corps of Khan Yunis. (Image posted by Saraya PS)
  • image of Walid Zuhair Abu Shab training with the Mujahideen of the Artillery Corps of Khan Yunis. (Image posted by Saraya PS)
  • image of Walid Zuhair Abu Shab training with the Mujahideen of the Artillery Corps of Khan Yunis. (Image posted by Saraya PS)
  • image of Walid Zuhair Abu Shab training with the Mujahideen of the Artillery Corps of Khan Yunis. (Image posted by Saraya PS)
  • image of Walid Zuhair Abu Shab training with the Mujahideen of the Artillery Corps of Khan Yunis. (Image posted by Saraya PS)
  • Image of Walid Zuhair Abu Shab, identified to be a member of the military wing of Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine, who posted a memorial for Walid.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Image showing the funeral of 23-year-old Walid Zuhair Mohammed Abu Shab who was killed by an Israeli airstrike, according to multiple sources (image via Fath 1965)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Abasan Al Kabira (عبسان الجديدة), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.323253, 34.344088. 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
    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
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (25) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT062

Incident date

May 14, 2021

Location

ِمنزل عائلة عبد ربه ,جباليا, Abd Rabo Family House, Jabalia, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.538711, 34.495107 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least six civilians, including three women and two children, were injured in a reported Israeli airstrike on a house in Jabalia city on May 14, 2021.

The majority of sources reported six injuries, including a civilian in critical condition. The Palestinian Centre of Human Rights and Al Haq said the victims included three women and two children. Both reported that the injured were taken to the Indonesian hospital where two of the injuries were described as serious and the rest moderate. Shihab reported that the number of people injured rose from six to nine.

The house belonged to the Abd Rabbo family. @ramy3zat tweeted that the house of his cousin, Shadi Abd Rabbo, and Shadi’s brothers, was targeted without warning. Two sources said it was completely destroyed.

The Israeli Defense Forces tweeted that “Recently, fighter jets and aircraft attacked the homes of three Hamas terrorist operatives who serve as terrorist infrastructure and weapons depots… 2. Shadi ‘Abd al-Hadhi – an operative in Hamas’ parachute formation. His house, which was located in the center of the Strip, contained paragliding unit equipment.” It is possible that this strike is related to this incident.

The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights said the house was hit with three missiles at 6.30pm.

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
    6–9
  • 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 (18) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a residential house being struck in the city 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 Jabalia are: 31.538711, 34.495107.

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Israeli Military
Official source

Recently, fighter jets and aircraft attacked the homes of three Hamas terrorist operatives who serve as terrorist infrastructure and weapons depots... 2. Shadi 'Abd al-Hadhi - an operative in Hamas' parachute formation. His house, which was located in the center of the Strip, contained paragliding unit equipment.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    6–9
  • 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 (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT043

Incident date

May 13, 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

At least one man, identified as a member of the Mujahid Qassami, was killed and three others were injured in an alleged Israeli drone strike on Deir Al-Balah.

According to Al Mezan, Mohammed Khaled Al-Tawashi, 21, a resident of Deir Al-Balah, was pronounced dead upon arrival at Al Aqsa Hospital at 8:30am. He was killed in an Israeli drone strike the previous evening near his home.

Palestinian Centre for Human Rights added that the drone strike had occurred at approximately 7:00pm the night before on agricultural land behind a home.

Both Al Mezan and Palestinian Centre for Human Rights reported that Al-Tawashi’s body wasn’t found until the morning after he was killed. However, multiple sources, including @uunionnews and @GazaNewsOfficia reported that “a martyr and 3 injuries arrived at Al-Aqsa Hospital after targeting in Deir al-Balah” on May 13th. It is unclear if this is the same incident.

Al Qassam Brigades posted a memorial on their website for Mohamed Khaled Al-Tawashi, who they identified as a “Mujahid Qassami”. @SafaPs also tweeted that a resistance site was bombed in Deir al-Balah. None of the sources referred to Al-Tawashi as a civilian.

All of the sources attribute the strikes to Israel. The Israeli Defense Forces released a statement that “17:25 – IDF aircraft attack the operational apartment of the deputy commander of Hamas’ Jabalya battalion in the northern Gaza Strip, from which the latest attacks were conducted. In addition, the IDF attacked three other operational apartments, of a company commander in the Sajaiya battalion in the northern Gaza Strip, a company commander in Shabura in the northern Gaza Strip and a company commander in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip.”

The incident occured at approximately 7:00 pm local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • 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.
  • Known attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Known target
    Palestinian Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • Mohamed Khaled Al-Tawashi, identified as a member of "Mujahid Qassami' was killed by an Israeli drone strike on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Al Qassam Brigades)
  • Strikes on Deir al-Balah on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by @ISM_HAB98)
  • A thousand mercy upon you, O martyr of the highest paradise #Martyr's garment
  • Mohamed Khaled Al-Tawashi, identified as a member of "Mujahid Qassami' was killed by an Israeli drone strike on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Noor Al Tawawshi)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Very graphic image of Mohamed Khaled Al-Tawashi, identified as a member of "Mujahid Qassami' was killed by an Israeli drone strike on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by @Gaza_2021)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Deir Al Balah (دير البلح), for which the generic 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:

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

Original strike reports

Israeli Military
Official source

17:25 - IDF aircraft attack the operational apartment of the deputy commander of Hamas' Jabalya battalion in the northern Gaza Strip, from which the latest attacks were conducted. In addition, the IDF attacked three other operational apartments, of a company commander in the Sajaiya battalion in the northern Gaza Strip, a company commander in Shabura in the northern Gaza Strip and a company commander in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • 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.
  • Known attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Known target
    Palestinian Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT045

Incident date

May 13, 2021

Location

أبراج الندى, Al Nada Towers, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.548728, 34.524185 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two people, one a civilian and one a child identified to be a member of Mujahideen Brigades, were killed and seven others were injured in an alleged Israeli drone strike and/or artillery shelling near Nada 19, a high-rise building in Beit Hanoun, on May 13, 2021.

Al Mezan reported that at around 1:45pm, “Israel’s air force fired a missile at a group of people near Nada 19, a high-rise building in Beit Hanoun, killing Khaled Imad al-Qanou, 17, and inflicting injuries on eight others.” On May 19th, they added that Firas Alaa Mohammed Al-Bahri, 20, died from wounds he sustained in the May 13th airstrikes from shrapnel and he was pronounced dead at Al-Shifa Hospital at 11:00am.

Defence for Children – Palestine identified the strikes as occurring around 12:40 p.m. near the Gaza perimeter fence in North Gaza’s Izbat Beit Hanoun and attributed at least one missile being fired from an Israeli drone as being responsible. A Facebook post by Ehab Al Kafarna identified artillery shells as being what killed Khaled.

World Now News provided details that amongst those injured, there were many serious injuries and various sources pointed out that serious injuries were taken to al-Shifa hospital while the other injured were taken to the Indonesian hospital.

A post by LO.Samed on Facebook identified Khaled Imad al-Qanou as a high school student at Khalil Al-Rahman Secondary School for Boys in the 12th grade. The Ministry of Education also released a statement mourning Khaled and the other students killed in the conflict.

Sources were conflicted as to whether Khaled was to be considered a civilian or not. Various sources referred to Khaled as a civilian, including the New York Times, which included him in their list of children civilians killed in the Gaza conflict. However, the New York Times later published a story with more details, including a statement from the Mujahideen Brigades that Mr. al-Qanou was killed “within the Sword of Jerusalem Battle,” the name that militants in Gaza gave to the latest war but it did not explicitly state whether he was participating in the fighting when he died. The Mujahideen Brigades said Khaled was 20, but official health records and his family members say that he was 17, born on Jan. 10, 2004.

Mr. al-Qanou’s older brother, Osama, told the New York Times that his sibling joined the Mujahideen Brigades earlier this year after members of the group pressured him for months to join their ranks, offering money and access to weapons. “They exploited him,” said Osama al-Qanou, who added that his family was not supportive of his becoming a member of the group. Mr. al-Qanou added that his family was so deeply opposed to his brother’s joining the Mujahideen Brigades that they refused to allow members of the group to pay their respects in the mourners’ tent they erected following his death. “We kicked them out in front of everyone,” he said.

All of the sources attributed the strikes to Israel.

The incident occured at approximately 1:45 pm local time.

The victims were named as:

Firas Alaa Mohammed Al-Bahri فراس علاء محمد البحري
20 years old male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Airstrike and/or Artillery, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    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.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (41) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • Khaled Imad al-Qanou, 17, killed in strikes near the Tower 19 in Al Nada towers, Beit Hanoun, on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Ehab.alkafarna via Facebook)
  • Khaled Imad al-Qanou, 17, killed in strikes near the Tower 19 in Al Nada towers, Beit Hanoun, on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by LO.Samed via Facebook)
  • Firas Alaa Al Bahri succumbed to the wounds he sustained in an airstrike near the Tower 19 in Al Nada towers, Beit Hanoun, on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by @fidaazaanin)
  • Firas Alaa Al Bahri succumbed to the wounds he sustained in an airstrike near the Tower 19 in Al Nada towers, Beit Hanoun, on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Mohamedmasri0 via Facebook)
  • Firas Alaa Al Bahri succumbed to the wounds he sustained in an airstrike near the Tower 19 in Al Nada towers, Beit Hanoun, on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by @Pal_Shaheed)
  • Khaled al-Qanou, alleged to be a militant even though he is a child, was killed by alleged Israeli strikes on Beit Hanoun on May 13, 2021. (Image posted by Abu Alan via Facebook)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention Tower 19 within the Al Nada Towers (أبراج الندى) complex, Izbet Beit Hanoun (عزبة بيت حانون). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Al Nada Towers are: 31.548728, 34.524185.

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
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    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.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (41) [ collapse]