Dr. Alaa al-Najjar and her son, Adam, embark on a journey of healing following a devastating loss in Gaza as the conflict continues to escalate.
Tragic Evacuation: Gaza Doctor and Sole Surviving Son Leave for Italy After Family Loss

Tragic Evacuation: Gaza Doctor and Sole Surviving Son Leave for Italy After Family Loss
A Palestinian doctor, who recently lost her nine children and husband to an Israeli airstrike, is en route to Italy for medical care with her only surviving child.
Dr. Alaa al-Najjar, a devastated Palestinian doctor, is set to evacuate Gaza with her surviving son, Adam, for medical treatment in Italy. The family suffered a tragedy last month when an Israeli airstrike targeted their residence in Khan Younis, claiming the lives of Dr. Alaa's husband, Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar, and their nine children. The Italian Foreign Ministry confirmed that the pair would depart for Milan, where Adam will receive treatment for his injuries sustained during the incident. Footage circulated online showed Dr. Alaa and her son getting into an ambulance, waving goodbye as they left Gaza.
Dr. Alaa revealed in a prior interview that Adam's medical condition is stable, although he faces significant challenges, including severe damage to his left arm sustained from the attack. As they travel, they will be joined by others who were injured, with the Italian Air Force coordinating the transport. This is part of an ongoing operation that has already seen 150 Palestinian patients and more than 450 family members evacuated to Italy for critical healthcare.
The airstrike on May 23 is under scrutiny as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responded to the reports by stating that military action was directed at suspected militants in the region. The IDF maintains that measures were taken to protect civilians prior to the strike. This conflict intensified following Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023, prompting a broader military response from Israel, which has reportedly led to catastrophic losses in Gaza.
The toll of the ongoing war is staggering, with a reported 54,981 lives lost, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. Dr. Alaa's loss serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic impact of the conflict on families and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and medical support in the region.