Nine Doctors’ Children Killed in Israeli Strike
Israeli Strike in Khan Younis Kills Nine Children, Reports Say

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip – An Israeli strike in Khan Younis reportedly killed nine children from the same family on Friday, May 23, 2025, according to reports from AFP and the Associated press. The children were the offspring of two doctors.
Mahmoud Bassal, a spokesperson for the Civil defense of Gaza, told Agence France-Presse that rescue teams recovered the bodies of nine individuals, some charred, from the home of Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar and his wife, Dr. Alaa al-najjar. Bassal stated that the strike occurred in the Gizan Al-Najjar district of Khan Younis, alleging that “the Israeli occupation has targeted” their home.
According to the AP, Alaa Najjar, a pediatrician at Nasser Hospital, was working when the strike occurred. Ahmad al-Farra, chief of the pediatric service at the hospital, told the AP that Najjar returned home to find her house ablaze.Her husband was seriously injured, and their only surviving child, an 11-year-old son, is in critical condition, al-Farra said.
The children who died ranged in age from seven months to 12 years old. Khalil Al-Dokran, a spokesperson for the Gaza Ministry of Health, told the AP that two of the children were found under the rubble.
In a statement, the Israeli army said it struck suspects operating in a structure near its troops and described the Khan Younis area as a “dangerous war zone.” The army added that it had evacuated civilians and that “the allegation concerning damage caused to unrescited civilians is being examined.”
# Israeli Strike in Khan Younis: Frequently Asked Questions
## What happened in Khan Younis?
On Friday, May 23, 2025, an Israeli strike in Khan younis, Gaza Strip, reportedly killed nine children from the same family.
## Where did the strike occur?
The strike occurred in the Gizan Al-Najjar district of Khan younis.
## Who were the victims of the strike?
The victims were nine children, ranging in age from seven months to 12 years old. They were the offspring of Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar and his wife, Dr. Alaa al-Najjar.
## What were the circumstances surrounding the attack?
According to reports, the children’s parents are both doctors. dr. Alaa Najjar, a pediatrician, was working at Nasser Hospital when the strike occurred. Her husband, Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar, was seriously injured.The family’s home was targeted in the strike.
## What is the Israeli army’s response?
The Israeli army stated that it struck suspects operating in a structure near its troops and described the Khan Younis area as a “dangerous war zone.” They added that they had evacuated civilians and were examining the allegations concerning damage caused to unrescued civilians.
## What sources are reporting on this event?
Reports on the incident have come from the Agence France-Presse (AFP) and the Associated Press (AP).
## Who is dr. Alaa Najjar?
Dr. Alaa Najjar is a pediatrician who works at Nasser Hospital. She was working when the strike occurred.
## What is the condition of the surviving child?
The sole surviving child, an 11-year-old son, is in critical condition.
## Who is Mahmoud Bassal?
Mahmoud Bassal is a spokesperson for the Civil defense of Gaza.
## What did the Civil Defense of Gaza do?
Rescue teams from the Civil Defense of Gaza recovered the bodies of nine individuals from the home.
## Summarizing the Key Facts
To provide a speedy overview, here’s a summary table:
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Khan Younis, Gaza Strip |
| Date | May 23, 2025 |
| Victims | Nine children, aged 7 months to 12 years |
| Parents | Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar and Dr. alaa al-Najjar (pediatrician) |
| Israeli Army Response | Struck suspects, investigating civilian damage claims |
| Sources | AFP, AP |
| Injured | Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar (seriously injured) |
| Survivors | One son (11 years old) in critical condition. |
