Gaza Doctor and Surviving Son Evacuated After Family Tragedy

Dr. Alaa al-Najjar, a grieving mother and doctor from Gaza, is on her way to Italy for medical treatment after her family was decimated by an Israeli airstrike.

Dr. Alaa al-Najjar, the only survivor of her immediate family, is being evacuated from Gaza alongside her son, Adam, who was severely injured during the tragic event. Last month, their home in Khan Younis was struck, resulting in the deaths of her husband, Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar, and all nine of their children. The Italian Foreign Ministry announced that the evacuation flight to Milan was scheduled for Wednesday evening, where Adam would receive further medical attention for his fractured arm and serious injuries. Videos released online captured the poignant moment as mother and son said their goodbyes before boarding an ambulance, while Alaa expressed hope for her son's recovery, stating his condition is stable but his left arm is severely damaged.

The pair, along with other injured individuals and family members, was set to cross into Israel towards Eilat before being flown to Italy via military chartered flights. In total, the Italian government has facilitated the medical evacuation of 150 Palestinian patients from Gaza, including more than 450 accompanying family members throughout this operation.

The harrowing incident that led to their injuries unfolded just after Dr. Hamdi had dropped off his wife at Nasser Hospital, where they both worked. Tragically, he later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. Israeli Defense Forces have stated that the military action is under review and claimed it targeted suspected individuals in a combat zone.

As the conflict intensifies in the region, reports indicate that the ongoing war has claimed countless lives, with significant civilian casualties recorded. Alaa’s heart-wrenching story underscores the human cost of warfare, with her family forever altered by the violence engulfing Gaza.