• Nine children of Dr. Alaa al-Najjar were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis.
• Her husband, also a doctor, remains in critical condition alongside their surviving son.
• The airstrike occurred during intensified military operations in Gaza, with over 53,900 fatalities reported since the conflict began.
• Efforts for humanitarian aid are ongoing amidst severe shortages.
• The Israeli military stated the strike targeted militants operating in the area.

In a devastating incident from the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the Israeli airstrike on May 24 claimed the lives of nine children from the family of Dr. Alaa al-Najjar, a pediatrician at Nasser Hospital. This tragic event unfolded in Khan Younis, where Dr. Al-Najjar's home was destroyed, leading to the deaths of her children aged between seven months and 12 years. Only one child, an 11-year-old son, survived the attack but remains in critical condition, according to multiple sources including SCMP, LA Times, and Channel News Asia.

The airstrike resulted in 79 fatalities across Gaza in a single day, contributing to the grave humanitarian crisis in the region. Rescuers retrieved the bodies of the children, some of which were charred beyond recognition. Mourners gathered at Nasser Hospital, where Dr. Alaa al-Najjar reunited with her surviving family member, while her husband, Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar, sustained severe injuries and remains in intensive care. Reports indicate he suffered significant damage to vital organs, according to sources including BBC and Reuters.

The Israeli military defended the strike, claiming it was targeting militants. They also stated that civilian casualties are being reviewed, asserting that the area of Khan Younis has been designated a "dangerous war zone". This assertion has drawn international criticism, particularly as the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates with reports of over 53,000 Palestinians killed to date, including significant numbers of children. This perspective is highlighted by various reports from India Times and Dawn.

As the conflict continues, the international community is urging for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, where food and medical supplies are critically low due to ongoing blockades and military actions. Recent reports indicate that Gaza's Civil Defense authorities have confirmed additional casualties, with tens of thousands of Palestinians facing dire conditions amidst the conflict. This complex situation is further shaped by the international diplomatic landscape as discussions around humanitarian assistance persist, highlighted in reports from NY Times and TRT Global.