In a heartbreaking development, Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar succumbed to his injuries on Saturday, following a tragic airstrike in Gaza that claimed the lives of nine of his children. As the region grapples with escalating violence, calls for medical assistance for his surviving son, Adam, grow louder, highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis.
Gaza Doctor and His Family Suffer Tragedy Amid Ongoing Conflict
Gaza Doctor and His Family Suffer Tragedy Amid Ongoing Conflict
Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar, a dedicated Palestinian physician, dies from injuries sustained in an Israeli airstrike that killed nine of his children, sparking calls for humanitarian aid and accountability.
Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar, a 40-year-old Palestinian doctor, has died from injuries he sustained in an Israeli airstrike on May 23, which tragically also claimed the lives of nine of his children. The attack occurred shortly after he had dropped off his wife, Dr. Alaa al-Najjar, at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, where both worked. The couple's surviving family members include Alaa and their 11-year-old son, Adam, who remains hospitalized.
Health officials reported that Dr. Hamdi had suffered severe brain and internal injuries from the airstrike and succumbed to his wounds on Saturday. His brother, Dr. Ali al-Najjar, conveyed the devastating loss of their family, stating that Hamdi was a compassionate physician who provided free care to those in need.
The couple’s children, ages ranging from six months to 12 years, were caught in the attack, which left the community mourning the loss of innocent lives. Dr. Milena Angelova-Chee, a Bulgarian doctor at Nasser hospital, reported the significant injuries sustained by Hamdi, while Graeme Groom, a British surgeon, described the cruelty of Alaa’s situation, noting that she had dedicated her life to caring for children.
In light of the tragedy, Italy's government has expressed readiness to treat Adam, as his uncle urgently appealed for help, stating the hospital in Gaza was insufficient for his needs. The foreign ministry confirmed that they were studying the feasibility of transferring Adam to a hospital in Italy.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated the airstrike targeted "suspects" in a combat area, claiming prior evacuation of civilians for their protection. This incident adds to the rising death toll in Gaza, which has exceeded 54,000 since the beginning of the ongoing conflict that escalated after Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023. The humanitarian situation remains critical, with intensified calls for aid and support from the international community.
