Gaza: 9 Children of Doctors Killed in Israeli Strike
Gaza Strike: Nine Children of Palestinian Doctors Killed in Khan Younis
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — The bodies of nine children, ranging in age from 1 too 12 years old, were recovered Saturday following an Israeli strike in Khan Younis, according to Gaza’s civil defense authorities. The children were all siblings, the offspring of two Palestinian doctors.
Mahmoud Bassal, a spokesperson for the civil defense institution, stated that the remains of the children, some of whom were charred, were transported from the home of Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar and Dr. Alaa al-Najjar to a local hospital. The strike occurred in the Gizan Al-Najjar district of Khan Younis on Friday.
One Child Survives Devastating Strike
Bassal reported that the strike occurred around noon Friday. Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar and another child, Adam, were critically wounded in the same incident. Al-Nasser Hospital officials in Khan Younis confirmed that only one of the ten children, a 10-year-old, survived the attack.
In response to inquiries about the strike, the Israeli military stated that it’s aircraft targeted “several individuals suspected of operating from a structure adjacent” to its forces in the area. A military spokesperson added that they are “examining the statement concerning damage caused to unrescinded civilians.”
The spokesperson further stated, “The region of Khan Younis is a dangerous war zone… [The army] evacuate civilians in the area for their safety.” The statement references expanded operations initiated June 17.
“Words are Missing to Describe the Pain”
The Civil Defense released video footage showing rescue workers searching through the rubble of the destroyed home. The video depicts rescuers extinguishing a fire before recovering the charred remains of several children. Funerals for the children were held at Nasser Hospital, according to images obtained by AFP.
Mounir Alrourche,director general of the Ministry of Health of the Government of Hamas for the Gaza Strip,said on X that the strike occurred shortly after Dr. Hamdi al-najjar had left for work. Alrourche stated, “Barely a few minutes after his return, a missile hit their house,” adding that Dr. al-Najjar is “currently in intensive care.”
According to Alrourche, the oldest child was 12 years old, while the Hamas government media office indicated the youngest was less than a year old. “This is the reality that our medical staff in Gaza is fine. Words are missing to describe the pain,” Alrourche added.
# Gaza Strike: Q&A About the Killing of Nine Children in Khan Younis
This article answers common questions about the tragic event in Khan Younis where nine children of Palestinian doctors were killed in an Israeli strike.
## What Happened in Khan Younis?
on Friday, an Israeli strike in the Gizan Al-Najjar district of Khan Younis resulted in the deaths of nine children. according to Gaza’s civil defense authorities, the children were siblings, the offspring of Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar and Dr. Alaa al-Najjar.
## When Did the Strike Occur?
The strike took place around noon on Friday.
## Where Did the Strike Occur?
The strike occurred in the Gizan Al-Najjar district of Khan Younis,Gaza Strip.
## Who Were the Victims?
The victims were nine children, ranging from 1 to 12 years old. They were all siblings and the children of two Palestinian doctors.
## Were There Any Survivors?
Yes, only one child, a 10-year-old, survived the attack. Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar and another child, adam, were critically wounded.
## What Was the Response from Gaza’s civil Defense?
Gaza’s civil defense authorities recovered the bodies of the children from the home and transported them to a local hospital. Spokesperson Mahmoud Bassal reported that some of the remains were charred. Video footage released by Civil Defense showed rescue workers searching the rubble.
## What Did the Israeli Military Say?
The Israeli military stated that its aircraft targeted “several individuals suspected of operating from a structure adjacent” to its forces in the area. They added that they are “examining the statement concerning damage caused to unrescinded civilians.” They also stated that “the region of Khan Younis is a dangerous war zone… [The army] evacuate civilians in the area for their safety,” referencing expanded operations initiated June 17.
## What Is the Situation of the Doctors?
Dr.Hamdi al-Najjar was critically wounded in the strike and is currently in intensive care. The other parent, Dr.Alaa al-Najjar, is referenced as the mother of the deceased children.
## What is the official response from the Hamas government media office?
The Hamas government media office indicated that the youngest child killed was less than a year old. Mounir Alrourche, director general of the Ministry of Health of the Government of Hamas for the Gaza Strip, expressed the pain and reality faced by medical staff in Gaza.
## Where Were the Funerals Held?
Funerals for the children were held at Nasser Hospital, according to images obtained by AFP.
## What Were the Ages of the Children?
The children ranged in age from less than a year old to 12 years old. according to Alrourche, the oldest child was 12 years old.
## Key Facts Summarized:
Here is a summary of the key details:
| Event | details |
|---|---|
| Location | Gizan Al-Najjar district, Khan Younis, Gaza Strip |
| Date | Friday (around noon) |
| victims | Nine children (siblings), aged 1-12, of Palestinian doctors |
| survivors | One 10-year-old child |
| Israeli Military Response | Targeted “several individuals suspected of operating from a structure adjacent” to its forces. Examining damage to civilians. |
| Civil Defense Response | Recovered bodies, transported to hospital, search and rescue efforts captured on video. |