In a devastating incident that underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, an Israeli airstrike targeted the home of Dr. Alaa al-Najjar, a paediatrician at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. The attack tragically resulted in the deaths of nine of her ten children, with ages ranging from just seven months to 12 years old. This heartbreaking event unfolded as Dr. al-Najjar was at work, striving to provide medical assistance to those in need amidst the chaos of conflict.

The airstrike occurred on Friday, setting the family home ablaze and leading to immense loss and grief. Ahmad al-Farra, head of the paediatrics department at Nasser Hospital, confirmed the harrowing details, noting that Dr. al-Najjar's husband sustained critical injuries in the attack, while their only surviving child, 11-year-old Adam, is reported to be in critical condition, according to the Gaza Government Media Office.

In a chilling account, it was revealed that two of the deceased children still lie trapped under the rubble of what was once their family home. The Gaza Government Media Office described this incident as emblematic of the “ongoing genocide” faced by the Palestinian people, calling it a “full-fledged war crime” under international law.

Francesca Albanese, the UN’s special rapporteur for the Palestinian territory, condemned the airstrike, characterizing it as part of a “sadistic pattern” indicative of a “new phase of genocide” targeting Palestinians in the besieged enclave. Albanese pointed out the tragic irony that two doctors, dedicated to saving lives, lost their children to an Israeli missile aimed at their home. This incident highlights the broader context of the conflict, where families and civilians are often caught in the crossfire.

Hamas has accused Israel of deliberately targeting medical personnel and their families, interpreting this as an intent to demoralize and break the will of the Palestinian people. In contrast, the Israeli military defended its actions, stating that the airstrike was directed at suspected militants operating from a structure adjacent to its forces, in an area they claim had been evacuated for civilian safety. The military has stated that it is investigating claims regarding civilian casualties.

The situation in Khan Younis has escalated dramatically, with the Israeli military issuing forced evacuation orders for the city, warning of an impending “unprecedented attack.” Since the beginning of the current conflict, daily bombardments have resulted in substantial civilian casualties and distress.

The al-Najjar children's deaths are part of a larger tragic toll, with Gaza's Health Ministry reporting that 79 individuals were killed in Israeli airstrikes between Friday and midday Saturday. This figure does not encompass casualties in the north of the enclave, which remains largely inaccessible. The overall death toll in Gaza since October 2023 has now reached a staggering 53,901, with injuries surpassing 122,593.