Gaza Doctor Dies After Tragic Airstrike That Took His Children

The conflict in Gaza takes a heartbreaking turn as Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar, whose family was shattered by an airstrike, passes away from his injuries, leaving behind only his wife and one injured son. The devastating impact of the war continues as both medical and humanitarian crises worsen in the region.

A Palestinian doctor, Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar, aged 40, has died from injuries sustained during an Israeli airstrike that also killed nine of his children on May 23. The attack occurred shortly after he dropped off his wife, Dr. Alaa al-Najjar, at Nasser Hospital, where they both worked. The couple's home in Khan Younis was struck, resulting in a profound family tragedy with only their 11-year-old son Adam and Alaa as the surviving members.

Health officials confirmed that Hamdi succumbed to his wounds on Saturday after receiving treatment for significant brain and internal injuries. His brother, Dr. Ali al-Najjar, described Hamdi as a compassionate father who often treated poorer patients for free and played a vital role in their community.

The loss is compounded for the family, as their nine children—Yahya, Rakan, Ruslan, Jubran, Eve, Rivan, Saydeen, Luqman, and Sidra—were all casualties of the airstrike. Local media report that the ages of the deceased children ranged from six months to 12 years.

Adam, who is currently hospitalized with serious injuries, underwent significant surgery with the assistance of medical professionals. A British surgeon at Nasser Hospital, Graeme Groom, expressed the cruelty of the situation, highlighting that Alaa, a pediatrician, lost her own children in a single tragic event.

In a show of solidarity, the Italian government has responded to an appeal from Dr. Ali al-Najjar by offering to treat Adam outside the Gaza Strip, recognizing the dire conditions and limited resources available within the current healthcare system in the conflict-ridden region.

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the airstrike targeted individuals reportedly involved in militant activities in a combat zone, asserting that civilians had been evacuated to protect them. In contrast, the ongoing conflict has led to overwhelming civilian casualties, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting over 54,418 deaths in Gaza since the escalation of hostilities began.

The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate as families are left in despair, overwhelmed by losses and limited access to medical care amidst the tension and destruction that pervades the region.