GAZA CITY: A recent Israeli airstrike in Khan Yunis has led to the heartbreaking loss of nine children from one family, as confirmed by local civil defense officials. The incident, which occurred on Friday, has drawn significant attention amidst ongoing conflicts in the region.
According to Mahmud Bassal, a spokesperson for Gaza’s civil defense agency, emergency teams recovered the bodies of the children from the home of Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar and his wife, Dr. Alaa al-Najjar. Reports indicate that both parents were injured in the strike, with their 10-year-old son Adam in critical condition and receiving treatment at Nasser Hospital, where Dr. Alaa works.
Footage released by the civil defense agency depicted the aftermath of the strike, showing rescuers working to recover charred remains from the devastated family home. In response to inquiries regarding the attack, the Israeli military acknowledged the strike, stating that it targeted individuals identified as threats operating in proximity to its forces. They emphasized that the Khan Yunis area remains a volatile conflict zone, and claims of civilian casualties are currently under investigation.
Muneer Alboursh, who heads the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip, lamented the tragedy on social media, noting that the airstrike occurred shortly after Dr. al-Najjar had dropped his wife off at work. He expressed sorrow for the family’s suffering, highlighting the broader implications of such violence on healthcare workers and their families.
“This reflects the harsh reality faced by medical personnel in Gaza,” Alboursh remarked. “The impact of these attacks extends beyond healthcare providers; entire families are being affected by the ongoing conflict.”
The funeral for the children was conducted at Nasser Hospital, with many in the community coming together to mourn the profound loss.
As the situation continues to develop, the international community remains focused on the urgent need for a ceasefire and a resolution to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
