Mass funeral in Gaza for 112 Palestinians killed in 2023 Israeli strike

What Happened

On 15 July 2025, a mass funeral was held in Gaza City for 112 Palestinians killed in an Israeli airstrike on a residential block in the Sabra neighbourhood on 22 November 2023. The bodies, members of the Abu Sharia and Hassayna families, were recovered only recently during a two-week operation by the Hamas-run Civil Defence, supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Among the dead were 40 children, 38 women, and 7 people with disabilities. Mourners, including sole survivor Yousef Abu Sharia, expressed grief and partial relief at finally burying their relatives. The IDF has not yet responded to the BBC’s request for comment on the strike. The Hamas-run health ministry says at least 73,377 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began, following the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attack in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and 251 taken hostage.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The funeral underscores the protracted civilian toll of the Gaza war and the challenges of accounting for the dead. The recovery, conducted months after the strike due to access restrictions, highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the emotional closure sought by families. It also raises questions about accountability for strikes on residential areas, as the IDF has not clarified the military objective.

Watch For

Potential IDF response to the BBC’s query regarding the strike’s target; further recovery efforts as dozens more bodies are believed still under the rubble; any impact on ceasefire talks or international legal proceedings related to civilian casualties.