Summary
The Israeli airstrike on the Engineers’ Building in Gaza on October 31, 2023, resulted in significant civilian casualties, with reports indicating at least 106 people killed, including many children. Human Rights Watch classified the attack as an “apparent war crime,” asserting that there was no legitimate military target at the site, and highlighting the devastating impact on families who sought refuge there.
The attack occurred during a period of intense conflict following a surprise assault by Hamas on Israel, which led to a severe military response from Israel, including a full siege of Gaza. Eman Abusaeid and her family were among those sheltering in the Engineers’ Building, which had become a refuge for many displaced individuals. The airstrike not only claimed the lives of Abusaeid and her family members but also left a profound psychological and social toll on survivors, such as Eman’s sister, Taqwa, who lost her entire family in the strike. This incident underscores the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where ongoing violence has led to widespread suffering and loss, raising critical questions about the legality and ethics of military operations in densely populated civilian areas.
Civilian Impact and Human Rights Concerns
The airstrike’s aftermath revealed the extent of civilian casualties and the destruction of family units. Human Rights Watch reported that over 350 people were sheltering in the Engineers’ Building at the time of the strike, with many victims being children playing outside. The organization emphasized that the attack likely violated international laws governing armed conflict, as there appeared to be no military justification for targeting the building.
Testimonies and Evidence
Survivors provided harrowing accounts of the attack, detailing the chaos and devastation that ensued. Taqwa Abusaeid, the sole survivor from her family, recounted her memories of that day, including the loss of her six children and other relatives. Her experience illustrates the profound personal and communal grief that has emerged from such military actions, further complicating the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Broader Context of Conflict
This incident is part of a larger pattern of violence in the region, where military operations often result in high civilian casualties. The ongoing conflict has drawn international scrutiny and calls for accountability regarding potential war crimes, as humanitarian organizations continue to document the impacts of airstrikes on civilian populations in Gaza.
October Israeli strike in Gaza was much deadlier than reported, according to testimony
Dec. 23 / Npr / Reiterates the deadly consequences of the airstrike, focusing on the lack of military justification and the silence from Israeli authorities, effectively raising important questions about the legality of military actions. “ The U.S. says it has not received answers from Israel about an October strike in Gaza. A list of the dead, compiled by survivors and provided to NPR,...
October Israeli strike in Gaza was much deadlier than reported, according to testimony
Dec. 23 / Npr / Highlights survivor testimonies and the devastating personal impact of the airstrike, providing a poignant human perspective that underscores the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It’s deeply empathetic and well-researched. “ The U.S. says it has not received answers from Israel about an October strike in Gaza. A list of the dead, compiled by survivors and provided to NPR,...
Her last memory is by the window with her baby in Gaza. Then, Israeli airstrikes hit
Oct. 11 / Npr / Offers critical insights into the scale of casualties, revealing discrepancies in reported deaths and emphasizing the need for accountability, while maintaining a strong journalistic tone throughout. “ The skies roared with Israeli fighter jets, pummeling Gaza City with bombs that lit the night and grayed the day in dust. Eman Abusaeid, her husband and...