Israeli airstrike kills 9 children of Gaza doctor on duty

An Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis killed nine children of Dr. Alaa al-Najjar, a Palestinian pediatrician, while she was treating patients at al-Tahrir hospital. The attack also injured her husband and 11-year-old son, who underwent emergency surgery.

The strike, verified by the BBC, destroyed the family’s home near a petrol station. Dr. al-Najjar’s husband, also a doctor, reportedly had no political or military ties. Footage showed charred bodies of children being pulled from rubble.

The IDF stated it targeted “suspects” near troops in Khan Younis and is reviewing claims of civilian harm. Meanwhile, Gaza’s health ministry reported 79 deaths in 24 hours, with aid agencies warning of famine. A UN expert called it part of a “sadistic pattern.” Israel faces mounting pressure to ease aid restrictions as starvation risks grow.

Gaza health officials said the new deaths raise the war’s toll to 53,901 since the Oct. 7, 2023. The ministry said more than 3,700 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel resumed the war in March to pressure Hamas to accept different ceasefire terms and release the remaining hostages.