The tragic story of Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar highlights the devastating impact of conflict in Gaza, as the doctor passes away from injuries inflicted during an air strike that resulted in the loss of his nine children. His surviving family members continue to face significant challenges, prompting international appeals for medical assistance.
Gaza Doctor Dies Following Strikes that Killed His Nine Children
Gaza Doctor Dies Following Strikes that Killed His Nine Children
Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar, a Palestinian physician, succumbs to injuries sustained during an Israeli air strike that claimed the lives of his nine children in May, leaving behind his wife and son.
Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar, a 40-year-old Palestinian doctor, has died from injuries he sustained during an Israeli air strike on May 23 that killed nine of his children, according to health officials. The strike occurred in Khan Younis shortly after he dropped his wife, Dr. Alaa al-Najjar, at Nasser Hospital, where both parents worked. The couple's 10th child was severely injured in the attack, leaving only Alaa and their 11-year-old son Adam as survivors.
Dr. al-Najjar was being treated for significant brain and internal injuries but succumbed to his wounds on Saturday. His brother, Dr. Ali al-Najjar, remembered him as a compassionate father who often provided care for impoverished patients without charge. Tragically, their children—a mix of boys and girls aged between six months and 12 years—were killed, leaving a profound void in the family.
Dr. Milena Angelova-Chee, a colleague at Nasser Hospital, reported that Dr. al-Najjar's injuries were extensive, affecting critical areas of the body. Concerns for Adam’s survival, resulting from severe injuries, have prompted appeals for urgent medical assistance beyond Gaza's borders. After media coverage of Adam's plight, the Italian government expressed willingness to facilitate his transfer to a hospital in Italy for treatment.
In the aftermath of the air strike, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated they were reviewing the incident, which they characterized as targeting militants in a combat zone that had been evacuated of civilians. The tragedy unfolds amid a broader military campaign in Gaza, fueled by escalation between Hamas and Israel following a cross-border attack in early October 2023 that left numerous casualties. According to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, the conflict has led to over 54,000 deaths. The need for humanitarian aid is critical, as outlined by various international organizations keeping a close watch on the deteriorating conditions within Gaza.
