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In pictures: Bakr family in the rubble of their home

Like many homes, the Bakr family home was targeted in an Israeli air strike over Gaza, killing the Hassan the owner and injuring 20 others.
Funeral ceremony for Hassan Khader Bakr, killed by an Israeli attack over al-Shati camp on 22 July (AA).

Hassan Khader Bakr knew that if a missile hits his home, it could prove deadly for his neighbours who live close by under tin roofs. 

Bakr lived in al-Shati refugee camp, a densely-populated area with many structures covered by tin or other weak material.

On Monday night, the Israeli army called Hassan and informed him that his house would be targeted in a few minutes. He immediately tried to warn his neighbours and then ran out onto the street.

But it was too late.

The first “warning missile” hit Hassan as he stood in the doorway of his house, said eye-witnesses in the neighbourhood. He was killed in the attack, while at least 20 others were injured.

A neighbour, Abdelkarim Areeh told the Middle East Eye, that the first so-called warning missile was packed with marbles which scattered in all directions.

“We all got hurt on our legs and arms. My seven children went to Shifa hospital last night, but now they are back,” said Areeh.

Two missiles which then hit Bakr’s house, destroyed it and caused the roof of the adjacent home - belonging to Bakr’s brother and his family - to collapse.

“I don't think we will ever come back here. Everything is destroyed,” said, Atimad Bakr, Hassan's sister-in-law and mother of now ten homeless children. 

Last week, four of the Bakr boys were playing on the beach in the port area of Gaza city, when Israeli navy strikes targeted and killed them.

According to Al-Mezan human rights centre, nearly 3000 houses have been damaged or destroyed by the recent Israeli attacks. Half of the Gaza victims [now more than 600] have been killed inside their homes.

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