Young Survivor of Gaza Airstrike Flown to Italy for Medical Care

Adam al-Najjar, an 11-year-old boy who survived an Israeli airstrike in Gaza that claimed nine of his siblings and his father's life, is being transferred to Italy for urgent medical treatment. The evacuation, facilitated by the Italian government, highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis as conflict in the region escalates.

Eleven-year-old Adam al-Najjar, who endured the loss of his father and nine siblings in an Israeli airstrike last month, is being evacuated to Italy for medical treatment. The boy and his mother, Dr. Alaa al-Najjar, were expected to depart for Milan from Gaza on Wednesday evening, as confirmed by Italy's foreign ministry. Their family home in Khan Younis was struck on May 23, leading to the tragic loss that left Adam as the only surviving sibling.

Alaa al-Najjar described Adam's condition as stable but noted significant injuries, particularly to his left arm, which had fractured bones and nerve damage. Mario Colasanti, a surgeon in Britain who treated Adam, recounted the extent of his injuries, stating that his arm was nearly dislocated and he suffered multiple fragmentations and severe cuts upon arrival at the hospital.

Videos circulating on social media featured the mother and son as they departed in a Red Crescent ambulance, solemnly waving goodbye to Gaza. Their journey included a border crossing into Israel, from where they would be flown to various cities in Italy via chartered flights arranged by the Italian Air Force, alongside 17 other injured Palestinians and their relatives. This evacuation marks the latest effort in a broader initiative that has seen 150 patients and over 450 family members transferred from Gaza to Italy since the onset of the conflict.

The family tragedy unfolded mere moments after Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar, Adam's father, returned from dropping off his wife at Nasser Hospital, where both were employed. Hamdi sustained critical injuries in the airstrike and died shortly after receiving medical care.

Following the incident, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) indicated that the strike aimed to target suspected militants in an area deemed a "dangerous combat zone," asserting that civilian evacuations had been executed prior to the attack. Criticism and public scrutiny have surged in response to the estimated 54,981 fatalities reported in Gaza amid the ongoing military conflict, with many calling for greater accountability and humanitarian assistance for the affected civilian population.