Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

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]

Incident Code

M21ISPT029

Incident date

May 12, 2021

Location

قرب مسجد الإحسان ، مخيم النصيرات, Vicinity of Al Ihsan mosque, Al Nuseirat Camp, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.521920, 34.487516 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four combatants were killed and one to two other civilians were injured in airstrikes on Al Nusayrat camp on May 12, 2021. The men that were killed were identified as militants by the Islamic Jihad group, who posted a tribute to the “Mujahid martyrs”.

According to Al Jazeera, the four people were killed in Israeli strikes on Al Nusayrat camp. @SafaPs tweeted that three bodies of those killed arrived at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital and later added that a fourth body arrived at the hospital.

@Tartouri99 tweeted the names of the four killed: Hamza Mahmoud Al-Hour 26, Mohamed Abdel Moneim Shaheen 27, Ahmed Moeen Al-Qeraa 24, Ahmed Walid Al-Talaa. Al Mezan added that two others were moderately injured and that all casualties were residents of Nuseirat refugee camp.

Shorouk News reported the death of three people and the injury of one, referring to those affected by the strikes as “civilians” and @NewPress_en designated those targeted as civilians.

Tweets from @michaelh992 and @Jtruzmah identify the men as being militants. In addition, a report from the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, an organization affiliated with the Israeli government, identified Hamza Mahmoud Ibrahim al Hour as being “a military wing operative in an elite unit of the Brigade of the Central Camps” and Mohammad Abd alMoneim Ibrahim Shahin, Mohammad Mu’in Mohammad al-Qaara, and Ahmad Walid Hussein al Talaa as being “military wing operative[s] in the artillery unit of the Brigade of the Central Camps”. Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine verified these claims in posts memorializing all four men as “Mujahid martyrs”.

@fidaazaanin identified the location of the strikes as occurring near the Ihsan Mosque in Nuseirat and WAFA pointed out that the airplanes targeted a group of people on one of the streets in the camp. Al Mezan put the time of the strike at 6:30pm and reported that an Israeli drone fired one missile into the group.

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
    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
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    4

Sources (35) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (13) [ collapse]

  • Image of the four men affected by the airstrikes on Al-Nuseirat camp on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @maisarabtihan)
  • Image of the four men affected by the airstrikes on Al-Nuseirat camp on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @shms_salama_)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • Mohamed Abdel Moneim Shaheen, killed by the airstrikes on Al-Nuseirat camp on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @Pal_Shaheed)
  • Hamza Mahmoud Al-Hour, killed by the airstrikes on Al-Nuseirat camp on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @fidaazaanin)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic images of the bodies of the men killed by the airstrikes on Al-Nuseirat camp on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @michaelh992)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic images of the bodies of the men killed by the airstrikes on Al-Nuseirat camp on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @michaelh992)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic images of the bodies of the men killed by the airstrikes on Al-Nuseirat camp on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @michaelh992)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic images of the bodies of the men killed by the airstrikes on Al-Nuseirat camp on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by @michaelh992)
  • Muhammad Moeen Al-Qara’, identified as a member of the Islamic Jihad in Palestine movement, killed in strikes on Al Nusayrat camp on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Al Saraya)
  • Hamza Mahmoud Al-Hour, identified as a member of the Islamic Jihad in Palestine movement, killed in strikes on Al Nusayrat camp on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Al Saraya)
  • Ahmed Walid Al-Tala'a, identified as a member of the Islamic Jihad in Palestine movement, killed in strikes on Al Nusayrat camp on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Al Saraya)
  • Muhammad Abdel-Moneim Shaheen, identified as a member of the Islamic Jihad in Palestine movement, killed in strikes on Al Nusayrat camp on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Al Saraya)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the vicinity of Al Ihsan mosque (مسجد الإحسان), within the camp of Al Nuseirat (مخيم النصيرات). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Al Ihsan mosque are: 31.521920, 34.487516.

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
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    4

Sources (35) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT034

Incident date

May 12, 2021

Location

شارع الأرنب, Al Arnab street, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.350644, 34.309796 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Street level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between three and four civilians sustained minor wounds in alleged Israeli airstrikes and drone strikes on Al Arnab Street in Khan Younis on May 12, 2021.

@AlWatenGaza reported that four civilians were injured in strikes on Al Arnab Street in Khan Younis. A tweet from @hudaa23914 added that the injuries were minor and that they were taken to Nasser Medical Hospital.

Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR) provided that three civilians sustained minor wounds from the shattered rubble caused by strikes.

Images posted by Alam Sadeq on Facebook show two different young men being treated at the hospital and one of them had a bandage wrapped around his head.

A tweet from @mousa_alkafarna identified Al Rahma Association as the target of the strikes while other sources identified a house as being struck. PCHR gave additional details that “at approximately 04:50 on Wednesday, 12 May 2021, Israeli warplanes launched 3 missiles at 2 houses belonging to Mohammed ‘Abdel Salam al-Yazouri and Rafe’a Salah ‘Odah Salamah, who are both members of Palestinian armed groups, on al-Arnab Street in the western side of the city and completely destroyed them.”

PCHR reported that both drone strikes and airstrikes were launched in the area and that an hour before the strikes, “one of the area residents received a call from the IOF ordering him to tell the residents to leave their houses”.

An IDF statement on May 12th stated: “A short while ago, the IDF struck an additional Hamas internal security apparatus building, in Khan Yunis, used for counterintelligence. The IDF is continuing to strike terror targets in the Gaza Strip”. No further information was provided so it is unclear at ths time if this statement relates specifically to this event.

The incident occured at approximately 4:50 am local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–4
  • 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.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • A wounded civilian being taken to Nasser Hospital following strikes on Al-Ranab Street on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Alam Sadeq on Facebook)
  • A wounded civilian being taken to Nasser Hospital following strikes on Al-Ranab Street on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Alam Sadeq on Facebook)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention Al Arnab Street (بشارع الارنب), also known as Al Mathaf Street (شارع المتحف), in Khan Younis (خان يونس). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Al Arnab Street are: 31.350644, 34.309796.

  • Reports of the incident mention Al Arnab Street (بشارع الارنب), also known as Al Mathaf Street (شارع المتحف), in Khan Younis (خان يونس).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Israeli Military Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

Israeli Military

[23:59, 5/12/2021] IDF News Desk: IDF:

A short while ago, the IDF struck an additional Hamas internal security apparatus building, in Khan Yunis, used for counterintelligence.

The IDF is continuing to strike terror targets in the Gaza Strip.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–4
  • 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.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military
  • Suspected target
    Palestinian Forces

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT035

Incident date

May 12, 2021

Location

صالون الفسيس‎‎, Al Fasis barber shop (vicinity of Abu Qamar petrol station), the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.534473, 34.502821 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between two and four civilians, including two children, were injured in alleged Israeli airstrikes on a barber shop in Tal Al Za’tar on May 12, 2021.

A barber shop belonging to Ibrahim Al-Fasis in Tel Al-Zaatar was bombed by Israeli planes, according to various sources.

A post by Ehab Alda`afi on Facebook identified two light injuries in Awad mechanical workshop from the strikes.

Al Haq provided additional details that “at around 12:45 pm, IOF warplanes launched two missiles at Spike Salon in Tal Al-Zaatar neighborhood, Jabalia, North Gaza, moderately injuring 4 civilians, including 2 children.”

Al Mezan reported on an incident in Tal Al-Zaatar neighborhood occurring around the same time in which “an Israeli drone fired 5 missiles at Mahmoud Nimer Abu Mahmoud Jaser’s (71) 3-storey house near al-Basheer Mosque,” which resulted in damage to the home and no casualties. However, it is unclear if this is the same incident.

An image posted by Shadi on Facebook shows the damage to the barber shop from the strikes, which busted out the windows and damaged some of the equipment.

The incident was attributed to Israel by various sources.

The incident occured at approximately 12:45 pm local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    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.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Damage to Ibrahim Al-Fasis' barber shop in Tel Al-Zaatar following strikes on May 12, 2021. (Image posted by Shadi via Facebook)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Al Fasis barber shop (صالون  الفسيس‎‎) in the Tel Al Zaatar (تل الزعتر) neighbourhood of the Jabalia (جباليا) camp. Research shows that the barber shop is in the vicinity of the Abu Qamar petrol station (محطه ابو قمر), congruent with the location as described in sources from the incident. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The coordinates for the Abu Qamar petrol station are: 31.534473, 34.502821.

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
    2–4
  • 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.
  • Suspected attacker
    Israeli Military

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

M21ISPT012

Incident date

May 11, 2021

Location

ارض زراعية جنوب غربي دير البلح, Farmland, southwestern Deir Al Balah, the Gaza Strip

Geolocation

31.417292, 34.351187 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians were killed and another was injured in alleged Israeli drone strike on farmland west of Deir al-Balah on May 11th 2021.

WAFA News reported that “the occupation planes targeted a group of citizens west of Deir al-Balah, which led to the death of a citizen and the serious injury of another.” However, Al Haya and various other sources said that two civilians were killed in the bombing.

According to Al Mezan, “on Tuesday evening, 11 May 2021, an Israeli drone fired a missile at farmland in the district of Middle Gaza. The attack killed two Palestinian brothers, 21-year-old Munther Abdel Kareem Baraka and 18-year-old Manar, running a family-owned poultry business.” Various other sources give Manar’s age as between 18 and 19 years old and Anadolu Agency listed Manar as being a woman.

A report by the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, an Israeli-based research group, provided information that “the two brothers worked on their father’s poultry farm near the Deir al-Balah beach, situated near “resistance” positions in southwestern Deir al-Balah. It was so close to the outposts that shrapnel fell near the farm every time the positions were attacked. According to the family, they were killed by a missile fired from a UAV when the Israeli Air Force attacked the terrorist positions near the farm”.

@AbdulrahmanQan added that at the time the brothers were killed, they were working on the farm and Palestinian Center for Human Rights reported that “they were in a 14-dunum rented agricultural land that included 3 poultry farms, which belong to their father “Abdel Karim Mohammed Barakah”. Palestinian Center for Human Rights also reported that “at approximately 22:00, their bodies were taken to al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital.”

B’Tselem interviewed Abd al-Karim Barakah, 65, a father of seven including Munzer [Munther] and Manar, who said “On Tuesday evening, 11 May 2021, I was with my sons Munzer and Manar on our land. We went there despite the war because the chicks needed care. The atmosphere was tense that night. There were airstrikes all the time and drones hovering over us. We sat down under an olive tree, a few meters away from the coops. Munzer said he and Manar would go turn on the gas heaters in the coops to keep the chicks warm, and then come home. Manar was terrified of the airstrikes and held his brother’s hand. They headed to the coop and I stayed under the tree. Everything was dark because there was no power in the area at the time. When they were both 20 meters away from me, the bombings suddenly intensified and they shouted to me that they were leaving. I called out to them, “Leave everything and go home.” Meanwhile, some bales of straw caught fire and I got up quickly to put it out. As I was putting it out, I heard a loud explosion. About 45 minutes later, I was done putting out the fire and called out to my sons, but they didn’t answer. I went in the direction they’d gone and then found them lying side by side about 30 meters away. I sat down next to them and put Munzer’s head on my leg. I called, “Munzer, Munzer,” but he didn’t respond. So I left him and started talking to Manar. I called his name, but he didn’t respond either. I shouted as loud as I could for my neighbors to come, and some members of the Khsewan family, who live nearby, arrived. They picked my children up and took them to the house of a family member who lives 100 meters from the coop. Fifteen minutes later, a Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance arrived and took my sons to Shuhada al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah. When we got to the hospital, the doctors examined them and pronounced them dead. We buried them the next day at noon. Munzer and Manar left school in the sixth grade and have worked in the coops with me ever since. They raised the chicks to adulthood and then sold them. They took care of the whole financial side of the business….Since our boys were killed, things at home have been very tough. My wife is suffering immensely. I take her to the doctor almost every day. She has anxiety attacks and screams and cries a lot, especially when people come to console her.”

A tweet from @Mmt90_ reported that the bodies of Munther and Manar were taken to Al-Aqsa Hospital after the strike. Images posted by EastArea on Facebook show the funeral for the brothers, with many people gathered to mourn their death.

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

The incident occured in the evening.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Munther Abdel Karim Baraka منذر عبدالكريم بركة
21 years old male killed
Manar Abdel Karim Baraka منار عبدالكريم بركة
18 years old male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • 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

Sources (27) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (9) [ collapse]

  • Image of Munther Abdelkareem Baraka, killed alongside his brother Manar in alleged Israeli airstrikes west of Deir Al-Balah on May 11, 2021. (Image posted by @fidaazaanin)
  • Image of Manar Abdel kareem Baraka, killed alongside his brother Munther in alleged Israeli airstrikes west of Deir Al-Balah on May 11, 2021. (Image posted by @fidaazaanin)
  • Image of Munther Abdelkareem Baraka, killed alongside his brother Manar in alleged Israeli airstrikes west of Deir Al-Balah on May 11, 2021. (Image posted by @AbdulrahmanQan)
  • Image of Munther Abdelkareem Baraka, killed alongside his brother Manar in alleged Israeli airstrikes west of Deir Al-Balah on May 11, 2021. (Image posted by Ali Awaini via Facebook)
  • Image of Munther Abdelkareem Baraka, killed alongside his brother Manar in alleged Israeli airstrikes west of Deir Al-Balah on May 11, 2021. (Image posted by @odayfares.baraka via Facebook)
  • Image of Munther Abdelkareem Baraka, killed alongside his brother Manar in alleged Israeli airstrikes west of Deir Al-Balah on May 11, 2021. (Image posted by Ahmad S baraka via Facebook)
  • Funeral for brothers Munther and Manar Abdel Karim Baraka, killed in alleged Israeli airstrikes west of Deir Al-Balah on May 11, 2021. (Image posted by EastArea via Facebook)
  • Funeral for brothers Munther and Manar Abdel Karim Baraka, killed in alleged Israeli airstrikes west of Deir Al-Balah on May 11, 2021. (Image posted by EastArea via Facebook)
  • Funeral for brothers Munther and Manar Abdel Karim Baraka, killed in alleged Israeli airstrikes west of Deir Al-Balah on May 11, 2021. (Image posted by EastArea via Facebook)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention farmland in the southwest of Deir Al Balah ( دير البلح). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Deir al Balah are: 31.417292, 34.351187.

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 men)
  • 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

Sources (27) [ collapse]