A pediatrician and mother of ten, Dr. Alaa al-Najjar, is in deep mourning following the devastating loss of nine of her young children. The tragic incident occurred on Friday when an Israeli airstrike struck their home near Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, as confirmed by hospital officials. Dr. al-Najjar's husband, who is also a doctor, sustained severe injuries and is currently in intensive care. Their only surviving child has also been reported injured, according to Dr. Munir al-Bursh, director-general of the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health.
This heartbreaking event highlights the grim reality faced by healthcare workers and families in Gaza. "Words fall short in describing the pain," Dr. al-Bursh stated in a somber message on Friday night. The ongoing conflict has not only targeted healthcare professionals but has also led to the eradication of entire families, amplifying the tragedy of the situation.
The Nasser Medical Complex, where Dr. al-Najjar serves as a pediatric specialist at the al-Tahrir clinic, expressed their profound sorrow in a statement: "We are speechless, and our breaths suffocate in the face of the horror of this tragedy." The compassion shown by her colleagues reflects the close-knit nature of their community amidst the chaos.
In response to the incident, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that their aircraft targeted several individuals identified as threats operating near the IDF troops in Khan Younis. They noted that claims regarding harm to civilians are currently under review, emphasizing the area as a dangerous war zone. The IDF added that precautions were taken to evacuate civilians in the vicinity prior to their operations.
Dr. Ahmed al-Farra, head of pediatrics and obstetrics at the Tahrir clinic, recounted the moment Dr. al-Najjar learned of the airstrike. While at work, she received alarming news that strikes had hit Qizan an-Najjar, her family’s home area. "She felt by her heart that something happened to her family," Dr. al-Farra explained. Upon reaching the site, she discovered that her house had been completely destroyed.
Among the victims were five boys and four girls, with ages ranging from a seven-month-old daughter to a 12-year-old son. Dr. al-Farra described the aftermath, stating, "They were completely burned." The sole survivor, Dr. al-Najjar's 11-year-old son, has undergone two surgeries and remains in critical condition in the hospital. Tragically, her husband also remains hospitalized, facing critical challenges after surgeries and the possibility of leg amputation.
Amidst this tragedy, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Dr. al-Farra reported that the Nasser Medical Complex, one of the largest hospitals in Gaza, has not received any humanitarian aid due to rampant looting by armed gangs. The World Food Programme indicated that over a dozen aid trucks were looted in southern Gaza, leaving the 2 million residents facing extreme hunger and potential famine.
The looting occurred shortly after Israel eased its 11-week blockade on supplies entering Gaza, a move prompted by international pressure. The blockade, which began in early March, has led to widespread malnutrition and conditions that threaten food security in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the government is collaborating with the U.S. to establish aid distribution points in southern and central Gaza. However, this plan, set to commence on Monday, has faced criticism from established aid organizations that have been operating in the region for the last 19 months.
The war between Israel and Hamas erupted on October 7, 2023, following an incursion by Hamas fighters into Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the kidnapping of 251 hostages. As of now, 58 hostages remain captive, with 20 believed to be alive. The conflict has inflicted a heavy toll on the Palestinian population, with over 53,000 reported deaths in Gaza since the onset of hostilities, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. While specific statistics do not differentiate between military and civilian casualties, it is noted that women and children make up a significant portion of the fatalities.
This ongoing tragedy underscores the urgent need for humanitarian relief and a resolution to the conflict that continues to impact countless lives in the region.
