In a deeply tragic incident, an Israeli missile strike on a home in Khan Younis killed nine children from the same family, leaving their mother—Dr. Alaa Al Najjar—grieving and alone. The attack occurred while Dr. Al Najjar, a pediatrician at the Nasser Medical Complex, was on duty. Her husband, Dr. Hamdi Al Najjar, was critically injured, and their only surviving son was severely wounded.

Graphic footage from the Palestinian Civil Defence shows rescuers pulling the small bodies from the rubble and wrapping them in body bags.

Family Had No Ties to Hamas

Colleagues at Nasser Hospital emphasized the civilian status of the family. “Both were doctors. They had no political or military connections,” said British physician Dr. Graeme Groom, who treated the surviving son. “He looked much younger than his 11 years,” he added.

Dr. Victoria Rose, another British doctor, stated the family lived near a petrol station, speculating whether the blast triggered a massive fire.

Gaza’s Health System Buckling Under War

The tragedy reflects the broader humanitarian collapse in Gaza, where only 19 hospitals remain partially operational under extreme strain. “This is the reality our medical staff in Gaza endure,” Gaza health director Dr. Muneer Alboursh stated, calling the strike part of a pattern of indiscriminate aggression.

Since the war began following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, over 53,000 Palestinians—mostly women and children—have been killed, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

War’s Civilian Toll Escalates

The Israeli military response to the October 7 Hamas operation has led to unprecedented devastation in Gaza. Entire families have been wiped out, hospitals are overwhelmed, and civilian infrastructure lies in ruins.

This strike on the Al Najjar family—devoid of any military link—highlights the indiscriminate consequences of prolonged conflict and raises further questions about the proportionality and legality of Israeli operations.