Tragic Evacuation: Gaza Doctor Loses Family in Strike, Seeks Treatment in Italy

Dr. Alaa al-Najjar and her son, Adam, are being relocated to Italy after a devastating air strike resulted in the loss of her husband and nine children. As she grapples with her tragic loss, Adam seeks treatment for severe injuries sustained during the attack.

In a heart-wrenching situation reflecting the devastating toll of ongoing conflict, Dr. Alaa al-Najjar, a Palestinian doctor, has been evacuated from Gaza alongside her surviving son, Adam, following a tragic Israeli air strike that killed her husband and nine children last month. Scheduled to fly to Milan on Wednesday evening, their transport is facilitated by the Italian foreign ministry in light of Adam's critical health needs.

The deadly air strike occurred on May 23 when their family home in Khan Younis was hit. Alaa's husband, Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar, succumbed to severe injuries in the days following the attack. Adam, who is only 11, is suffering from serious injuries, including a fractured and damaged arm, which require urgent medical attention in Italy.

Footage shared by Palestinian journalists captured the poignant moment when Alaa and Adam were seen boarding a Red Crescent ambulance, waving goodbye amidst the chaos of Gaza. The evacuation is part of a broader humanitarian effort; thus far, Italy has facilitated the transfer of 150 Palestinian medical patients from Gaza, along with over 450 accompanying family members.

As Alaa recounted the traumatic incident, detail emerged of how Hamdi took her to Nasser Hospital for work and was tragically struck by the attack while returning home. Afterward, Adam was rushed to the hospital, where he was treated for grievous injuries including extensive lacerations and multiple fractures.

While the Israel Defense Forces have stated that they are reviewing the incident, they contend that the targeted area was known as a combat zone, supposedly evacuated for civilian safety. The ongoing conflict has seen horrific losses, with casualties in Gaza surpassing 54,000, according to reports from Hamas-run health authorities.

As Alaa and Adam prepare for their flight to Italy, the world watches this tragedy unfold, prompting urgent calls for humanitarian assistance amid an escalating crisis.