Beit Hanoun

May 13, 2021: Faiza Ahmad Mohammad Salama, 45, was killed in his home in Beit Hanoun by an Israeli bomb. In addition to Faiza, who rented an apartment in the building, the owner of the building and his son were injured. Additionally, the airstrike destroyed many houses, especially on al-Ba’li Street in central Beit Hanoun and terrified civilians in the northern Gaza Strip, particularly children and women.

He was one of 36 Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on May 13th.

Also the same night, in Beit Lahia, in northern Gaza, three sisters in their early twenties, one of whom was pregnant, were killed along with their father in an Israeli airstrike.

In the airstrike that killed the three sisters, 27 civilians were wounded, including 6 women and 10 children, while 3 houses sheltering 91 civilians, including 24 women and 41 children, were completely destroyed, and nearby houses sustained partial damage.

The all-night-long bombardment of the Gaza Strip targeted homes, apartment towers, and infrastructure, killing 36 Palestinians, and injuring hundreds, in addition to turning many homes and buildings into rubble.

Among those killed in the overnight airstrikes were two entire families who were bombed while in their homes. Rafat Mohammad at-Tanani, 39, his pregnant wife and four young children, were in their home in Beit Hanoun town when the Israeli army bombed the area without any warning. The entire residential square was destroyed, including the family’s home. Ra’fat Tanani, 39, his pregnant wife Rawiye, 35, and their children Ismail, 6, Ameer, 5, Adham, 4, and Mohammad, 3, were all killed.

The same night that the Tanani family was killed in the north of Gaza Strip coincided with killing another family in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis.

The family consisted of five members –all of them died including a one-year-old infant identified as Ibrahim. The father survived.

The Israeli air force also fired missiles into a residential tower in the Remal neighborhood, west of Gaza city, turning it into rubble, and causing excessive damage to surrounding homes and buildings.

A child, identified as Hala Hussein Rafat ar-Reefy, 14, was among many killed by Israeli missiles in Gaza city.

In addition, the army fired missiles, on Thursday evening, at a home in the al-Boreij refugee camp, in central Gaza, killing at least two Palestinians and wounding many others.

Furthermore, a child identified as Khaled Emad al-Qanou’, 16, was killed and eight were injured in an Israeli bombardment of Abraj an-Nada residential tower in Beit Lahia, in northern Gaza.

On Thursday at dawn, the Israeli air force fired a barrage a missile into the area of Bin Zayed Junction, in northern Gaza, causing excessive damage, in addition to killing at least two, and injuring dozens. Many more are believed to be dead and buried under the rubble while rescue teams continue efforts to locate them, however, the efforts and severely hindered by the Israeli bombardment.

The Israeli army also fired dozens of missiles into homes and lands in Abasan al-Kabeera area, east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, the Tuffah, Sheikh Radwan and Sheja’eyya in Gaza city, causing casualties and serious damage.

Homes were also shelled in Jabalia refugee camp, in northern Gaza, and Deir al-Balah, in central Gaza Strip.

Two Palestinians, identified as Abdul-Rahim Mohammad al-Madhoun, 63, and Hajar Abdul-Razeq al-Madhoun, 60, were killed in the Jabalia refugee camp.

Medical services in Gaza have reported that twenty-two Palestinians were killed by Israeli missiles and shells, Thursday, in a series of Israeli strikes across the coastal region.

Another Palestinian, identified as Osama Jamal Zibda, 33, was killed in an Israeli bombardment of Beit Hanoun. His father, Jamal Mohammad Zibda, 65, was killed a day earlier.

On Thursday evening, the Palestinian Health Ministry said eighty-seven Palestinians, including eighteen children, have been killed and 530 have been injured due to the ongoing Israeli strikes on Gaza.

In addition, a child, identified as Lina Fathi Sharir, 16, was killed in an Israeli bombing in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in Gaza city, Wednesday. Her father Eyad Fathi Fayeq Sharir, 35, was instantly killed.

On the same day, a child identified as Yahia Mazen Khalifa, 14, was killed in an Israeli bombardment of homes in Gaza city.

The Israeli missiles and shells have resulted in the destruction of more than 500 units, and damage to at least 2100 units.

The Israeli army targeted 14 residential towers with its missiles, in addition to firing missiles at 23 media centers, dozens of institutions, societies, and offices, in addition to 58 government-run centers, such as police stations, security centers, and service centers.

During the 11-day Israeli assault on Gaza between May 10th and 21st, 2021, 247 Palestinians were killed, including 66 children and 39 women; 1417 wounded, including 277 women and 412 children. 9 Israelis, including 2 children, were killed during the same time period. The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, which documented these attacks, has called upon the international Criminal Court to open an investigation into the occupation’s crimes during this military aggression, and reiterates its call upon the High Contracting Parties to the 1949 Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfil their obligations under Article 1; i.e., to respect and ensure respect for the Convention in all circumstances and their obligations under Article 146 to prosecute persons alleged to commit grave breaches of the Fourth Geneva Convention. These grave breaches constitute war crimes under Article 147 of the same Convention and Protocol (I) Additional to the Geneva Conventions regarding the guarantee of Palestinian civilians’ right to protection in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (West Bank, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights).

Faiza was from Beit Hanoun, in northern Gaza. Source: IMEMC

May 12, 2021: Mohammad Ahmad Abu Amsha, 35, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza.

At approximately 19:30, the dead body of Mohammed Ahmad ‘Abed Abu ‘Ashma (35) arrived at Beit Hanoun Hospital in central Beit Hanoun, after he had gone missing 2 days earlier in the midst of Israeli aerial bombardment.

He was among more than 30 Palestinians killed on May 12th, most of whom were killed while in their homes, huddled with their families as Israeli bombs dropped all around them.

This was the third straight day of massive Israeli bombardment and shelling of Palestinian homes, structures, and facilities, leading to the death of at least 30 Palestinians on May 12th alone, including children.

These are the incidents documented by the Palestinian Center for Human Rights on May 12th, 2021:

Northern Gaza:

The Israeli airstrikes resulted in the murder of ( 5) Palestinians and the injury of (56) others, including (15) children and (12) women. Also, several houses were targeted; 2 of them were completely destroyed while dozens of other houses were partially destroyed. Additionally, a medical point sustained material damage.

 

At approximately 03:20, Israeli warplanes fired a missile at an agricultural land near al-Qerm intersection, east of Jabalia. As a result, nearby houses sustained damage after their windows were broken. Also, 26 civilians, including 4 children and 9 women, were wounded due to the shattering glass.

 

At approximately 07:45, Israeli warplanes fired 2 missiles at Jehad Kamal al-‘Ajrami’s (33) house in al-‘Alami neighborhood in Jabalia camp, and completely destroyed it.

At approximately 08:15, Israeli warplanes fired 2 missiles at Sa’dallah Sa’ied Mohammed Dahman’s (62) house in Jabalia camp, and completely destroyed it.

 

At approximately 10:00, an Israeli drone fired a missile at a civilian car near Hamouda intersection, east of Beit Lahia, north of the Gaza Strip. As a result, four were killed in the car and another one was wounded. Those killed were identified as: Tal’at Jameel Mahmoud Aghah (34), ‘Atif ‘Abed al-Rahman Jum’a al-Barawi (47), Nael Khaled Yunis al-Barawi (22), Wael Mahmoud  Fares Al-Ghoula (47).

 

At approximately 11:00, Israeli warplanes fired 2 missiles at a barrack near ‘Izbet ‘Abed Rabu intersection, causing damage to a PRCS medical point established there, to the Shari’a Court and other houses near the targeted area.

 

At approximately 12:00 on Wednesday, 12 May 2021, Israeli warplanes fired a missile at residential apartment No. (1) in building (25) in Sheikh Zayid Housing Project in eastern Beit Lahia. As a result, the apartment sustained partial damage, but no casualties were reported.

 

Around the same time, Israeli artillery fired 10 shells at border areas in eastern and northern Beit Hanoun and in northern and northwestern Beit Lahia, causing a dense white smoke. As a result, the residents of the areas adjacent to the border fence were forced to leave; no casualties were reported.

 

Around the same time, an Israeli drone fired 5 missiles at Mahmoud Nimer Abu Mahmoud Jaser’s (71) house in Jabalia. As a result, the eastern side of the house and its roof sustained damage.

At approximately 12:05, an Israeli artillery fired a shell at Hatem Wahdan’s house in Beit Hanoun. As a result, the house’s eastern wall sustained material damage.

 

At approximately 12:42, Israeli warplanes fired 2 missiles at Ibrahim Majed ‘Adel al-Fasees’s (28) barber shop (40 sqms) located in Tal al-Za’tar neighborhood in Jabalia, causing damage to the shop. Also, 4 civilians, including 2 children, sustained moderate and minor injuries.

At approximately 14:35, an Israeli drone fired 2 missiles at Ahmed Fayiq Abu Sitah’s house in Beit Lahia, causing damage to the roof of the house.

At approximately 20:00, Israeli warplanes fired a missile at Zaher Mousa Ahmed Hamdan’s (55) 1-storey house on al-Qerman Street in Beit Hanoun. As a result, the house roof sustained material damage, but no casualties were reported.

 

 Gaza City:

The Israeli airstrikes resulted in the murder of (15) Palestinians, including (2) women and (3) children. Also, 2 towers and 4 resedential multi-story buildings and 2 govermental sites belonging to the Ministry of Interrior were completely destroyed.

 

At approximately 00:30 on Wednesday, 12 May 2021, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at one of the Interior Ministries’ headquarters inside Ansar Security Compound, west of Gaza City, and completely destroyed it.

 

At approximately 01:35, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at a 4-storey residential building next to al-Yaziji Bakery in Tal al-Hawa neighborhood in Gaza city.  As a result, five were killed, including a mother and her child and another girl living in a nearby building.  Those killed were identified as Rima Sa’ed Kamel Sa’ed “al-Telbani” (31), her 5-year-old child Zaid Mohammed ‘Odah al-Telbani, Wael ‘Abdel Karim ‘Ali ‘Issa (41); Hasan Mohammed ‘Ali al-Qahwaji (43) and Hala Hussein Ra’fat al-Rifi (13), who was killed in the building adjacent to the targeted building. Note: the  dead body of Maryan al-Telbani (3) is still lost.

 

At approximately 05:55, Israeli warplanes continuously carried out dozens of airstrikes on various areas in Gaza city, most prominently targeting and destroying al-Jawazat Security Headquarter in al-Remal neighborhood in central Gaza City, causing severe damage to the nearby UNRWA schools, roads and streets.  They also targeted and completely destroyed the Interior Security headquarter in Ansar Compound and al-Rawdah 7-storey building on al-Abraj Street near the PRCS Emergency and Ambulances Services headquarter; as a result, the nearby buildings sustained damage, including al-Azhar Buildings (4) and (5); al-Sa’adah Building (1) and the Youth and Sports buildings, as well as the roads leading to the area.  Moreover, a security building near the Public Prosecution building next to the Islamic University was targeted and completely destroyed.

 

Israeli warplanes also targeted and completely destroyed the Interior Ministry’s Expatriates Registration offices in the ground floors of al-Sousi (B) 14-storey building on al-Sena’ah Street, west of Gaza City.  As a result, the building sustained severe damage as well as al-Sousi (A) building and the vehicles parked under the 2 buildings.  Additionally, the UNRWA Main Operations Head offices next to the 2 buildings sustained severe damage as well as the roads and streets.

 

At approximately 10:40, medical sources declared the death of Hamzah Mahmoud Yasin ‘Ali (12) after he succumbed to wounds he sustained in an Israeli airstrike in al- Shuja’iyya neighborhood.

 

At approximately 11:30, Israeli warplanes launched a missile at a civilian white Skoda car traveling on al-Moghrabi Street in central Gaza City.  As a result, 6 were killed, including the driver, a man and his wife who were inside the car, a civilian in front of his house and 2 other passers-by. Those killed were identified as the driver Mustafa Mazen Salem Kurdiyah (22); Sa’id Hashim Sa’id al-Hatu (67) and his wife Maysoun Zaki Hashem al-Hatou (55); Mansour Yousif Hasan al-Dreimly (66), who was in front of his house in the area; and Nader Mohammed al-Ghazali (47) along with his nephew ‘Abdulsalam Mahmoud Nabih al-Ghazali (28), who were also from the same area.  Moreover, the children of Sa’id al-Hatou, Mohammed and Yara, were wounded.

 

At approximately 11:30, Israeli warplanes launched 4 missiles at Khaled Ahmed Yaser al-Namrouti’s (50) house in al-Sheikh Redwan neighborhood near an UNRWA Clinic. As a result, the 3-story house (250 sqms) was completely destroyed. It should be noted that one of the neighbors received a phone call from the Israeli Intelligence Services ordering him to inform the residents of other houses to evacuate only few minutes before the airstrike.

 

At approximately 12:00, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at a residential building belonging to Majed Hamed Bakir al-Yazji (63) in al-Manarah neighborhood on al-Nafaq street. As a result, the 3-story house (750 sqms) was completely destroyed.  The ground floor is an electric appliances factory where Majed al-Yazji, his 3 sons, and 10 other workers work while 4 families, including 9 children and 4 women, lived in the house. The building’s owner said that he received a phone call from a private number ordering him to evacuate the house.

 

At approximately 14:20, an Israeli warplane launched a missile at a civilian grey car while traveling in al-Sha’af neighborhood in eastern Gaza City. As a result, Izz al-Dein Mohammed Abdullah Hillis (28) was killed, and his brother, Ashraf (48), was wounded.

 

At approximately 16:00, Israeli warplanes launched 6 missiles at “al-Weqa’ie al-Gharbiya” residential building on al-Mokhabarat Street. As a result, the 5-storey building, which included 10 residential apartments, was completely destroyed while the nearby shops and buildings sustained severe damage.  Moroever, Layalina wedding hall, comprised of 2 floors and located next to the targeted building, sustained damage. The building’s owner said that he received a phone call from a private number ordering him to evacuate the house.

 

At approximately 18:30, Israeli warplanes launched 10 missiles at al-Shorouq 14-storey tower on Omar al-Mukhtar Street in al-Rimal neighborhood, which is considered one the most vital areas in the Gaza Strip. As a result, the tower was completely destroyed, and the surrounding buildings and shops sustained severe damage. It should be noted that al-Shorouq tower housed various media outlets and civilian institutions, including Al-Hayat al-Jadida Newspaper, Al-Aqsa TV and Al-Aqsa Radio, Taiff Media institution, and media production company PMP.

 

At approximately 19:25, an Israeli warplane launched a missile in front of Ahmed Ibrahim Ahmed Abu Sakran’s (56) house in al-Shuja’iya neighborhood, where a number of civilians were gathering before al-Maghreb Adhan  in the last day of Ramadan. As a result, the house owner and his relative namely Mohammed Nahed Jaber Abu Sakran (24), were killed, while ‘Ali Hisham Ahmed Abu Sakran (8) was wounded and his condition was described serious by medical sources at al-Shifa Hospital.

 

At approximately 21:15, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles at Salah al-Deen Street in front of al-‘Ijlah Meat Shop in al-Zaytun neighborhood in southern Gaza City. As a result, Yahiya Mazen Shehada Khalifa (14) was killed with shrapnel that hit different parts of his body as he was in front of his house.  Moreover, 4-storey building sustained severe damage.

 

At approximately 21:30, Israeli warplanes sporadically launched 24 missiles at main streets and vital roads.  They targeted al-Saraya Intersection on Omar al-Mukhtar Street, Abu Khadra Intersection and the Shari’a Court Street in the central Gaza City. As a result, the area, which include public facilities, residential buildings and governmental institutions, sustained severe damage.

 

At approximately 21:30, Israeli warplanes launched 10 missiles at the main road which connects Tal al-Hawa neighborhood with al-Zaytun neighborhood and targeted the street next to Alaa’ al-Dein petrol station and the Rosary Sisters School on Street “8”. Additionally, Mazen Foqaha football field sustained severe damage. It should be noted that the Israeli warplanes continued launching missiles sporadically until 03:00.

 

Central Gaza Strip:

The Israeli airstrikes resulted in the murder of (4) Palestinians and the injury of (5) others. Also, a house was destroyed and a school and other houses sustained damage.

 

At approximately 18:30 on Wednesday, 12 May 2021, Israeli drones launched one missile at a group of citizens in an open land near al-Ihsan Mosque in Nusseirat refugee camp.  As a result, 4 Palestinians were killed and identified as Hamzah Mahmoud al-Hor (25); Mohammed ‘Abdel Men’em Shahin (27); Mohammed Mo’in al-Qar’ah (26); and Ahmed Walid al-Talla’a (29); all of them were members of the Palestinian armed groups from Nusseirat refugee camp.  Moreover, 2 others were wounded moderately and taken to al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah.

 

At approximately 11:50, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles; the first launched by a drone, at the Islamic National Bank on Salah al-Deen Street, south of al-Bureij refugee camp’s entrance.  As a result, the Bank’s 2-storey building (500 sqms) was completely destroyed while the nearby shops and houses sustained partial damage in addition to the electricity network, causing power outage in the area.  Moreover, 3 passers-by sustained various injuries and were taken to al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital.

At approximately 01:40, Israeli warplanes launched a missile at a house belonging to Eyad Belal al-Tayeb (45) in al-Bureij refugee camp.  As a result, the 2-storey house (166 sqms) was completely destroyed and around 15 nearby houses sustained severe and partial damage.  Moreover, the electricity and wastewater networks were destroyed.  No causalities were reported.

 

Khan Younis:

Eight Palestinians, including 3 children, were killed. Among those killed were a mother and her daughter. Also, 34 Palestinians, including 3 women, were injured and 3 houses were targeted; 2 of them were completely destroyed.

 

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, and completely destroyed them.  Due to the shattering rubble, 3 civilians sustained minor wounds.  Only an hour before the airstrike, one of the area residents received a call from the IOF ordering him to tell the residents to leave their houses.

 

At approximately 06:05, Israeli warplanes targeted again with 4 missiles the 2 houses and nearby lands, causing wide-ranging damage to the houses in the area.  One of the missiles fell on a poultry shop, which is 300 meters away to the west, and did not explode but its roof was destroyed.

 

Around the same time, Israeli warplanes launched 20 missiles within minutes at al-Madares Street, a military site belonging to the Palestinian armed groups and a municipality park; all of them are in the same area.  As a result, the area sustained wide destruction, including the street, the electricity and water supply network, and the municipality park.  Moreover, the Public Prosecution headquarter, and the antidrug police station were partially destroyed while the windows of the nearby houses were broken and sustained cracks.  Additionally, residents of the area and Khan Younis were terrified due to the intensive explosions and heavy airstrikes, which were carried out within only few minutes without any prior warning.  At approximately 07:00, Mahmoud Jamil Kalousa (29) arrived a dead body at Naser Hospital in Khan Younis after retrieving his body from the targeted area.

 

At approximately 10:15, Israeli warplanes launched a missile at a rickshaw in al-Fokhari area, east of Khan Younis.  As a result, two were wounded, including a child who sustained moderate wounds.

 

At approximately 10:30, IOF stationed along the border fence with Israel opened fire at farmers in eastern Khuza’ah, east of Khan Younis. As a result, Bashar Ahmed Ibrahim Sammour (16) was killed.

 

At approximately 14:05 On Wednesday, 12 May 2021, Israeli warplanes launched a missile at a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) distribution vehicle while passing by al-‘Awdah Bakery in Bani Suheila.  The missile hit the vehicle and injured 3 citizens, including a child, with shrapnel and burns.  They were all taken to Naser Hospital, where 2 of them were pronounced dead upon arrival and were identified as Majed ‘Abed Raboh Mahmoud Abu Sa’adah (38), from Bani Suheila, and Mahmoud Ahmed Abu ‘Amer (37), from ‘Abasan in eastern Khan Younis.  The child injured was identified as Muhanad Taysir Abu ‘Alian (15) and his condition was reported serious.

 

At approximately 14:25 on Wednesday, 12 May 2021, Israeli warplanes launched a missile at a 4-storey house belonging to Mahmoud ‘Arafah in al-Amal neighborhood.  The missile hit the second floor of the house, causing destruction and killing a mother and her daughter; Miami ‘Abdullah Mousa ‘Arafah (49) and Hadil Khaled Mahmoud ‘Arafah (28); whose body was retrieved from the rubble an hour later.  Moreover, 3 citizens sustained various injuries during the airstrike and were all taken to Naser Hospital to receive treatment.  The persons injured were identified as Isma’il Mahmoud al-Khawaladah (48), who was injured in his head and abdomen; his daughter Nagham (16), who was injured in her back; and Mahmoud ‘Arafah.

 

At approximately 17:30, an Israeli helicopter launched a missile near Temraz Fuel Station in al-Fokhari area.  As a result, 2 children were killed and 2 citizens were wounded; one of them is a child and in serious condition.  All of them are residents of the area.  Those killed were identified as ‘Ammar Taysir ‘Ayesh al-‘Amour (11) and Hamadah ‘Atiyah ‘Abed al-‘Omor (13) while the persons injured were identified as ‘Alian Munir Ibrahim al-‘Amour (13) in serious condition and ‘Omer ‘Abed Ibrahim Abu Mustafa al-‘Omor (21).  All of them were taken to Gaza European Hospital while ‘Alian was referred to Nasser Hospital and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit due to his serious injury.

 

At approximately 23:50, Israeli warplanes launched 2 missiles near houses in al-Najjar neighborhood in Khuza’ah.  As a result, a woman and 2 children were wounded, and a number of houses sustained damage.

 

Rafah:

The Israeli bombing resulted in the murder of an elderly man and caused damage to agricultural lands.

At approximately 16:20 on Wednesday, 12 May 2021, the dead body of Hammad ‘Ayyad Mansour al-Debari (86), from al-Shokah in eastern Rafah, arrived at Abu Yousif al-Najjar Hospital after he sustained shrapnel wounds in the head inside his house near al-Sabereen Mosque.  PCHR’s staff is still investigating the circumstances of the incident, which coincided with the Israeli Iron Dome’s interception of the Palestinian rockets fired from the Gaza Strip along with Israeli artillery shelling.

Mahmoud was from Beit Hanoun, in the northern Gaza Strip. Source: PCHR