Boy who lost nine siblings in Israeli attack arrives in Italy for medical treatment.
An 11-year-old boy from Gaza, Adam al-Najjar, who faced severe injuries during a devastating Israeli airstrike that claimed the lives of his father and nine siblings, has arrived in Italy for critical medical care. Adam, the sole survivor of his family, was greeted at Milan’s Linate Airport by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who presented him with a football—a symbol of hope amid tragedy. Following this emotional reception, Adam was swiftly transported to Niguarda Hospital, where he will undergo treatment for his extensive injuries.
The tragic incident occurred on May 23 in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, where an airstrike tragically impacted Adam’s family home. His siblings, ranging in ages from seven months to 12 years old, perished in the attack alongside their father, Hamdi al-Najjar, a doctor who later succumbed to injuries sustained during the strike. His mother, Alaa al-Najjar, a pediatrician, was working at Nasser Hospital at the time, one of the few medical facilities still operational in southern Gaza amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Adam suffered severe burns and injuries including multiple fractures to his left arm, which have left him requiring immediate and comprehensive medical attention. His mother remains focused on his recovery, striving to set aside the unbearable grief of their family’s loss. She poignantly shared her resolve to concentrate on Adam’s healing, acknowledging, “When I remember, it’s too painful, so I try to keep my mind focused entirely on Adam.”
His medical evacuation was facilitated by an appeal from his uncle, highlighting the collective efforts of many advocating for the wellbeing of children affected by the conflict. In addition to Adam, 16 other injured Palestinian children and over 50 accompanying family members were flown to Italy for medical attention. This initiative was part of Italy’s broader humanitarian response, which has already seen 150 injured Palestinians receive treatment in the country.
Italy’s support has evolved amid the ongoing conflict, prompting officials to express concerns over the humanitarian impact of the Israeli military actions. With reports from UNICEF indicating that more than 50,000 children have been killed or injured due to the conflict, global attention remains focused on the necessity for urgent humanitarian aid and protection of vulnerable populations in the region.
As Adam begins his journey towards recovery, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of children in conflict zones and the international community’s role in providing essential support.
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