Gaza's al-Wihda street massacre leaves 40 dead and families shattered

On 16 May 2021, a devastating bombing struck al-Wihda street in Gaza City’s al-Rimal district. The attack, which lasted over an hour, targeted two residential buildings and the surrounding area. Over 40 people were killed, shattering the belief that this commercial hub was safe from Israeli airstrikes. Residents of al-Wihda street had long assumed they were not at risk. That changed in an instant when sustained bombardment hit their neighbourhood. The scale of destruction exceeded even the three previous major Israeli offensives since December 2008.

Alaa Abu al-Ouf lost his wife and two daughters in the massacre. Many of his extended family were also killed. Nearby, Azzam al-Qawlaq survived but lost his brothers Izzat and Muhammad, along with several of their children. Civil defence workers pulled Azzam and his remaining family from the rubble. Samar Riyad, another resident, witnessed the horror unfold. She saw neighbours from the Abu al-Ouf and al-Qawlaq families perish in the attack. Over 20 members of the al-Qawlaq family alone were killed, with victims ranging from a six-month-old baby to a 90-year-old. Riyad Ishkintna lost his wife Abir and four of their children. Only their daughter Suzie survived. Now, Riyad struggles to fill the roles of both parents, knowing he can never fully replace what Suzie has lost. Saleem al-Sir described the aftermath as a 'new Gaza, where everyone is at risk.' The massacre left deep scars, proving no area is beyond the reach of violence.

The bombing of al-Wihda street killed more than 40 people and destroyed two residential buildings. Families like the Abu al-Oufs and al-Qawlaqs suffered heavy losses, with entire generations wiped out. For survivors, the attack reshaped their sense of safety, leaving behind a neighbourhood—and a city—forever changed.