Tragedy in Khan Younis: Israeli Airstrike Claims Nine Children of Gaza Doctor

Mon Dec 15 2025 11:29:18 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A devastating attack on a Gaza family's home has resulted in the loss of nine children, drawing international outrage and despair.

In a shocking incident in Khan Younis, nine of Dr. Alaa al-Najjar's ten children have been killed following an Israeli airstrike that targeted their residence. The attack occurred shortly after her husband returned home, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis in the region. Reports indicate that total fatalities from airstrikes have exceeded 70, with further casualties anticipated as violence escalates. International appeals have been made for the urgent need for humanitarian assistance amid food and water shortages. Meanwhile, the UN has characterized the current situation in Gaza as potentially the "cruellest phase" of ongoing conflicts triggered by rising tensions since an earlier Hamas attack.

Dr. Alaa al-Najjar's life changed tragically following an Israeli airstrike that struck her home in Khan Younis on Friday, tragically killing nine of her ten children according to the local hospital. While her surviving children, including her 11-year-old son, have received medical attention, their father, also in the medical field, has suffered severe injuries. A video from the site shows the haunting images of burned bodies being retrieved from the rubble by local civil defense teams. In a heart-wrenching plea, a family relative called for mercy and urged international stakeholders to take action amidst the chaos and suffering.

UN Chief António Guterres condemned the blockade hampering humanitarian aid to Gaza, highlighting the urgent need for increased support for the area's 2.1 million residents. Israel has partially lifted its blockade, although the influx of aid still falls significantly short of what is required. Recent reports point to critical famine risks as food scarcity becomes rampant, contributing to violent clashes over limited supplies. Over 53,000 individuals have reportedly lost their lives in Gaza due to ongoing hostilities since early October, raising alarm and profound grief worldwide.