A devastating missile strike in Gaza has resulted in the tragic loss of nine children from the family of a local doctor. The attack, which occurred on Friday, also left the surviving son seriously injured and the father in critical condition.
Dr. Alaa Al Najjar, a pediatrician at Al Tahrir Clinic in the Nasser Medical Complex, was at work when the missile hit their home in Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza. The oldest child was just 12 years old. Graphic footage shared by emergency services shows rescuers pulling the bodies of small children from the rubble, highlighting the horrific impact of the strike.
Dr. Al Najjar’s husband, Hamdi Al Najjar, who is also a doctor, was injured and taken to the hospital on a stretcher. The couple’s 11-year-old son, Adam, was among those injured and is currently receiving treatment. Two British doctors working at Nasser Hospital described the situation as "horrific" and "unimaginable," expressing deep concern for the family.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the strike targeted individuals identified as threats operating near their troops. They emphasized that the area is a conflict zone and claimed that civilians were evacuated for safety prior to the operation. However, the loss of life, especially among children, raises serious questions about the conduct of military operations in densely populated areas.
This incident is part of a larger conflict that escalated after Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. Since then, Israel has responded with extensive military action in Gaza, leading to a reported death toll of over 53,000 Palestinians, many of whom are women and children.
The tragedy of Dr. Al Najjar’s family reflects the broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where medical staff and civilians are caught in the crossfire of ongoing violence. As the conflict continues, the impact on families and communities grows ever more severe.