Palestinian Doctor Evacuated to Italy After Devastating Loss in Gaza Conflict

Dr. Alaa al-Najjar, a Palestinian doctor, is being evacuated to Italy with her only surviving son after losing her husband and nine children in an Israeli air strike. This incident underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza amidst the escalating Israel-Palestinian conflict.

Dr. Alaa al-Najjar, a resident of Gaza, recently faced an unimaginable tragedy when an Israeli air strike claimed the lives of her nine children and husband, Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar, in Khan Younis. Following this devastating loss, she and her surviving son, 11-year-old Adam al-Najjar, will be evacuated to Italy for urgent medical treatment. Scheduled to depart for Milan on Wednesday evening as confirmed by Italy's foreign ministry, Adam is set to receive care for severe injuries sustained during the attack.

On May 23, the air strike on their home resulted in the tragic deaths of Dr. Al-Najjar's entire family, except for Adam. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are currently reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident, which they previously classified as targeting individuals associated with combat operations in the region.

Videos shared by Palestinian journalists captured the poignant moment when Dr. Al-Najjar and Adam waved goodbye from a Red Crescent ambulance before their departure. While Adam's medical condition is reportedly stable, his left arm suffers from fractures and nerve damage, necessitating specialized treatment. The evacuation is part of a broader initiative, with over 150 Palestinian patients and their family members previously flown to Italy for medical assistance.

This strike and the ongoing conflict have left a significant toll, with the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reporting over 54,981 fatalities since hostilities reignited following a cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. The war has reportedly seen Israel responding aggressively, further escalating violence in the region. As the humanitarian need intensifies, Dr. Al-Najjar’s story highlights the human cost of war and the urgent call for international attention towards the plight of those affected.