Israeli Airstrike in Gaza Kills Nine of Doctor's Ten Children

Byline: Staff Correspondent
Date: May 25, 2025
Location: Khan Younis, Gaza StripThe Guardian

An Israeli airstrike on May 24 devastated the family of Dr. Alaa al-Najjar, a pediatrician at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, killing nine of her ten children while she was on duty. The children, aged between seven months and 12 years, were at home when the strike occurred. Dr. al-Najjar's husband, also a physician, sustained severe injuries and is currently in intensive care. Their sole surviving child, 11-year-old Adam, is also critically injured. ABC News+8Al Jazeera+8The Guardian+8ABC News+4The Sun+4Al Jazeera+4ABC News+1The Guardian+1

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the airstrike targeted "a number of suspects" operating near IDF troops in Khan Younis, an area they described as a "dangerous war zone." They asserted that civilians had been evacuated prior to operations and that claims of civilian harm are under review. AP News+4BBC+4The Times+4

Footage verified by the BBC showed the bodies of the children being recovered from the rubble. Dr. al-Najjar's colleagues at Nasser Hospital expressed profound grief, noting that both she and her husband had no political or military affiliations. BBC+8The Guardian+8BBC+8

This incident is part of a broader escalation in Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes have reportedly killed at least 79 people in a single day. The ongoing conflict has led to over 53,000 deaths since October 2023, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The Guardian+1The Sun+1AP News

International humanitarian organizations have raised concerns over the increasing civilian toll and the targeting of medical personnel and facilities. The United Nations and the World Health Organization have called for immediate measures to protect civilians and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid. The Guardian

The tragic loss of Dr. al-Najjar's family underscores the profound human cost of the ongoing conflict and has intensified calls for a ceasefire and renewed peace negotiations.Wikipedia+8The Times+8The Sun+8