‘Only one son left’: Gaza doctor loses 9 children in devastating airstrike

Cairo: A Gaza paediatrician lost nine of her ten children in an Israeli airstrike on Friday in Khan Younis, amid escalating violence in the region. Dr Alaa Najjar, who works at Nasser Hospital, was on duty when the attack occurred. She rushed home to find her house engulfed in flames.

“She found her family’s house on fire,” said Ahmad al-Farra, head of the paediatric department at Nasser Hospital. Najjar’s husband was critically injured, and their only surviving child—an 11-year-old son—remained in critical condition.

According to Khalil Al-Dokran, spokesperson for Gaza’s Health Ministry, the deceased children ranged in age from seven months to 12 years. “Two of the children remained under the rubble,” he told the Associated Press.

79 deaths reported in 24 hours, northern hospitals cut off

The same day saw a total of 79 people killed across Gaza in Israeli airstrikes, according to the Health Ministry. The figure excludes those in the northern region, where hospitals have reportedly become inaccessible due to ongoing military operations.

Earlier on Saturday, the Israeli military said its air force had struck more than 100 targets throughout Gaza in the previous 24 hours.

Israel calls Khan Younis a ‘dangerous war zone’

Responding to reports of civilian casualties, the Israeli Defence Forces claimed the airstrike in Khan Younis targeted suspects operating near its forces. The military described the area as a “dangerous war zone” and added, “The claim regarding harm to uninvolved civilians is under review.” It also claimed that civilians had been evacuated prior to the strike.

Gaza’s war toll crosses 53,900

The Health Ministry reported that the latest casualties have brought the death toll to 53,901 since Hamas launched its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Since Israel resumed its military offensive on March 18, at least 3,747 people have been killed. The ministry’s figures do not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

Blockade tightens as aid remains limited

Israel’s blockade of Gaza, home to more than two million people, has remained in effect since early March. While a limited number of aid trucks entered this week, the volume remains far below the 600 daily trucks that arrived during the ceasefire.

Images of Palestinians queueing for food and reports from food security experts warning of famine have increased pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His government has proposed a new aid delivery system backed by the United States. However, the United Nations and partner agencies have rejected the plan, saying it allows Israel to use food as a weapon and violates humanitarian norms.

A letter obtained by the AP suggests that Israel may now allow humanitarian organisations to remain in charge of non-food aid. While Israel has accused Hamas of diverting aid, UN officials and humanitarian agencies deny any significant misuse.

Hospitals besieged, staff trapped

The Health Ministry reported that 11 security personnel have been trapped inside the European Hospital in southern Gaza since Tuesday due to ongoing airstrikes and gunfire. Dr Saleh Hams, head of the hospital’s nursing department, said patients were evacuated following a strike on May 13. He added that the staff remained behind to prevent looting.

The European Hospital is the only medical facility in Gaza currently providing neurosurgery, cardiac care, and cancer treatment, according to Dr Hams.

Hostage deadlock prolongs war

Israel has insisted it will continue its military operations until all 58 remaining hostages taken during the October 7 Hamas-led attack are released and Hamas is disarmed. Fewer than half of the hostages are believed to be alive. The attack killed approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw 251 individuals abducted.

Hamas has demanded the release of Palestinian prisoners, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a lasting ceasefire in exchange for the remaining hostages. Prime Minister Netanyahu has rejected these conditions and has reiterated plans to retain control over Gaza and encourage what he termed the “voluntary emigration” of a large portion of its Palestinian population.