In brief
Dr. Alaa al-Najjar and her son Adam are evacuated from Gaza, where they faced unspeakable tragedy. After the airstrike that claimed the lives of her family, they now journey to Italy for medical assistance.
In a poignant tale of tragedy and resilience, Dr. Alaa al-Najjar, a Palestinian doctor from Gaza, is set to evacuate to Italy with her only surviving child, Adam, an 11-year-old boy injured in a devastating airstrike. The airstrike, which occurred on May 23 in Khan Younis, resulted in the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar, and their nine children. As they prepare for their journey, the Italian foreign ministry confirmed their flight to Milan on Wednesday evening, where Adam will receive critical treatment for severe injuries sustained during the attack.Accompanied by a team of medical staff, Alaa and Adam were seen boarding a Red Crescent ambulance, capturing a bittersweet farewell as they left Gaza. In a recent interview, Dr. Alaa shared the current state of her son, stating, “His left arm is in bad shape, the bones are fractured and the nerves are damaged,” but she expressed gratitude for the medical support that would soon be available in Italy.In total, this mission marks the evacuation of 150 Palestinian patients alongside more than 450 family members who have sought medical treatment in Italy since the onset of conflict. The Italian Air Force has been instrumental in facilitating these flights, as the need for urgent care continues to grow amidst the ongoing violence.Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar, who was also a dedicated medical professional, tragically lost his life days after the airstrike that decimated their family. During a harrowing account from a British surgeon, it was revealed that Adam's injuries were extensive—his arm “just about hanging off” and covered in shrapnel wounds—yet he miraculously survived.The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have stated that they are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the attack, amidst a broader conflict that has already taken thousands of lives in Gaza since escalation began. The devastating consequences of this war continue to unfold, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian support and attention to the plight of those affected by this ongoing crisis.
