Israeli Snipers Kill Al-Aweini Brothers in Gaza: A Harrowing Incident

On February 11, 2024, Israeli snipers shot and killed two brothers, Husam (27) and Saad al-Aweini (22), as they attempted to carry their wounded brother, Abdullah (29), to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza. Abdullah had sustained serious injuries from a missile strike on their family home earlier that day. The brothers were reportedly shot multiple times while trying to seek medical assistance, leading to their deaths on the ground over the course of several days. This incident has raised serious allegations of potential war crimes against Israeli forces, as documented by the human rights organization Euro-Med Monitor.

The Independent

The al-Aweini family was caught in a violent conflict that has seen high civilian casualties in Gaza. The missile strike that injured Abdullah occurred while he was gathering clothes for his family. Following the attack, the family attempted to transport Abdullah to the nearby Nasser Hospital, located approximately 100 meters from their home. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the brothers came under direct fire shortly after leaving their residence.

The Independent

Ibrahim al-Aweini, the father of the brothers, described the harrowing moment he was shot at while checking on Abdullah. He recalled being filmed by a drone just before the attack, which left him injured and unconscious. As Husam and Saad carried Abdullah, they were met with gunfire just 15 meters from the hospital. Witnesses reported seeing the brothers attempt to crawl after being hit, while their father shouted in despair, “My sons are gone.” Their mother, Tahani, also faced danger as she tried to reach her sons, sustaining injuries herself.

The Independent

Dr. Atef al-Hout, director of the Nasser Medical Complex, recounted the dire situation at the hospital during the siege. He noted that the presence of Israeli snipers made it impossible for medical staff to assist the brothers or retrieve their bodies, which lay outside the hospital for four days. Reports from various organizations, including Médecins Sans Frontières, corroborate the presence of snipers targeting the hospital area during this time.

The Independent

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) responded to inquiries regarding the incident, stating that it was "not known to the IDF" and requested further details to provide clarity. They did not elaborate on what additional information was needed. In contrast, Euro-Med Monitor emphasized that the targeting of the al-Aweini family exemplifies elements of genocide, given the circumstances surrounding the attack and the siege.

The Independent

The incident has sparked international outrage, with human rights advocates calling for accountability regarding the high civilian death toll in Gaza. Critics argue that the actions of Israeli forces during this operation constitute a violation of international humanitarian law. The al-Aweini family continues to seek answers, expressing confusion over why their sons were targeted while they were merely seeking medical help.

The Independent

While Euro-Med Monitor has documented the events leading to the brothers' deaths, the IDF has not confirmed any details regarding the targeting of the al-Aweini family. Additionally, reports indicate that some bodies may have been retrieved by Civil Defence after the Israeli forces withdrew, but this information remains unverified.

The Independent

• “The quadcopter was 30 or 40 centimetres away from my face,” — Ibrahim al-Aweini, Father of the Victims

The Independent

• “I saw my three brothers lying on the ground; one was still moving and asking for help, but I was powerless to help him.” — Hassan al-Aweini, Surviving Brother

The Independent

• “I felt powerless to offer them any help.” — Dr. Atef al-Hout, Director of Nasser Medical Complex

The Independent

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the urgent need for accountability and protection of civilians in conflict zones.

The Independent