Sahira Rizq Masalmeh
Sahira Rizq Masalmeh was killed as a result of falling missile debris during an Iranian missile attack targeting Israel, amid a broader regional conflict.
During a barrage of Iranian missiles, one projectile was intercepted or broke apart mid-air.
Fragments—possibly including cluster munition submunitions or interceptor debris—fell into Beit Awwa and hit a beauty salon. The impact sent high-speed shrapnel through the structure, causing catastrophic injuries and killing Sahira and others at the scene.
Biography
Sahira Rizq Masalmeh was a 50-year-old Palestinian woman from Beit Awwa, near Hebron in the occupied West Bank. She was among a group of women present at a local beauty salon when missile fragments struck the building during an ایرانی missile attack aimed at Israel. She died from shrapnel injuries, becoming one of the first Palestinian fatalities in the West Bank linked to the 2026 Iran–Israel conflict.
Sahira Rizq Masalmeh lived in the town of Beit Awwa, a Palestinian community located southwest of Hebron in the occupied West Bank. At 50 years old, she was part of a civilian population that faces ongoing instability due to regional tensions. On the evening of 18 March 2026, she was at a neighborhood beauty salon alongside other women, reportedly gathering ahead of the upcoming Eid al-Fitr. During that time, Iranian missiles were launched toward Israel, and one was either intercepted or fragmented in flight. Debris fell into the town, striking the salon directly. The explosion and resulting shrapnel caused fatal injuries to Sahira and others. Her death underscores the risks faced by civilians in areas without access to protective shelters.
Additional Information
Sources & References
At least 5,000 Iranian security forces killed by US-Israeli strikes1 iranintl.com Open source
Three Palestinian women killed in beauty salon during Iranian missile attack2 bbc.com Open source
Pregnant woman among four Palestinians killed following Iranian missile attack Four Palestinian women in the occupied West Bank die after missile fragments hit a hair salon3 middleeasteye.net Open source