Adam al-Najjar, an 11-year-old boy who lost his father and nine siblings in an Israeli strike, is being evacuated to Italy for treatment. His condition, while stable, requires urgent medical intervention.
Boy, Sole Survivor of Tragic Israeli Strike, Airlifted to Italy for Urgent Medical Care
Boy, Sole Survivor of Tragic Israeli Strike, Airlifted to Italy for Urgent Medical Care
An 11-year-old boy, the only survivor of an Israeli air raid that claimed his family, is being treated in Italy after surviving severe injuries from the attack.
In a heartbreaking tale, 11-year-old Adam al-Najjar is set to receive urgent medical care in Italy after being the only survivor of a devastating Israeli air strike that killed his immediate family members. On Wednesday evening, Adam and his mother, Dr. Alaa al-Najjar, boarded a flight to Milan from Gaza, as announced by Italy's foreign ministry.
The tragic incident occurred on May 23 when their family home in Khan Younis was hit by an Israeli air strike. Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar, Adam's father, along with nine of Adam's siblings, lost their lives in the attack. In response to the bombing, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the incident was under review, but further comments have yet to be provided.
Footage shared by Palestinian journalists captured the emotional moment as Adam and his mother left Gaza in a Red Crescent ambulance, waving goodbye. In a prior interview with Italian newspaper la Repubblica, Dr. Alaa reported Adam's condition, noting that while stable, his left arm had sustained serious injuries, including fractures and nerve damage.
On Wednesday, Adam, along with 17 other injured Palestinians and their relatives, crossed into Israel's Eilat before boarding chartered flights arranged by the Italian Air Force. His arrival at Milan's Linate airport is part of a larger effort to evacuate medical cases from Gaza. To date, approximately 150 Palestinian patients have received similar assistance, along with over 450 family members.
Just before the tragic event, Dr. Hamdi had been dropping off Dr. Alaa at Nasser Hospital, where both worked, only to face the horrific attack at home shortly after. Adam's profound injuries, reportedly including severe lacerations and fractures, ignited majors concerns among medical professionals. A British surgeon who treated him described the horrifying conditions under which the boy entered the hospital, highlighting the extent of his trauma.
The IDF later defended the air strike, claiming it targeted suspects in a combat zone while ensuring civilians had been evacuated for their safety. This tragic story unfolds against the backdrop of heightened tensions following Hamas's cross-border assault on October 7, 2023, that resulted in significant casualties in both military and civilian populations. According to the health ministry run by Hamas, the ongoing conflict has claimed at least 54,981 lives in Gaza.
