Gaza's al-Wihda Street Massacre: 40 Lives Lost in One Hour of Horror

On 16 May 2021, a devastating attack struck al-Wihda street in Gaza City, killing over 40 people in just one hour. The bombing targeted two residential buildings and their surroundings, shattering the belief that this commercial hub was safe from Israeli strikes. Families who once felt protected now face a grim reality—no place in Gaza is beyond risk. Al-Wihda street runs through al-Rimal, the bustling heart of Gaza City. Before May 2021, residents assumed their neighbourhood was unlikely to be hit, even during major conflicts. That assumption collapsed when Israeli airstrikes flattened buildings and claimed dozens of lives.

More than 20 members of the al-Qawlaq family were wiped out, their ages spanning from six months to 90 years. Samar Riyad, a local resident, struggled to grasp the unfolding horror as explosions rocked her street. She tried to reassure her family but could barely believe their own neighbourhood was under fire. Riyad Ishkintna lost his wife, Abir, and four of their five children. Only their daughter Suzie survived. Now, he cares for her alone, attempting to fill the void left by her mother and siblings. He admits some losses can never be replaced. Alaa Abu al-Ouf, who works at a small grocery on al-Wihda street, lost his wife and two daughters. Many of his extended family were also killed. He still avoids walking past the bombed building where they died, the memories too painful to confront.

The massacre of 16 May 2021 marked a turning point for Gaza City. Over 40 lives were taken in a single hour, leaving survivors to navigate grief and shattered assumptions. For those on al-Wihda street, the attack redefined what it means to live in a place where nowhere feels safe.