Gaza Mother's Heartbreak: Nine Children Lost, Hope Found in Italy

Gaza Tragedy: Pediatrician Loses Nine Children in Bombing, Finds Hope in Italy A devastating event unfolded in Gaza, where Alaa Najjar, a pediatrician, lost nine of her ten children in an Israeli airstrike on May 23, 2025. The attack destroyed her home, leaving her and her surviving son, Adam, with nothing. The interview, part of Massimo Gramellini’s ‘In altre parole’ program on LA7, powerfully captures Alaa’s grief and determination. "Nine out of ten," Alaa stated in the interview, her voice filled with sorrow. "Nine children… their names… Yahiya, Rakkan, Razlan, Gibran, Yef, Rifan, Saidin, Lakman, and Sidra. The youngest was six months old, the oldest twelve." She recounts the moment of the attack, describing the explosions and her desperate race home, only to find her home in ruins. Despite the immense loss, Alaa and Adam found refuge in Italy. A global appeal launched by Alaa’s brother-in-law led to their relocation, where Adam will receive crucial medical treatment. "I told Adam that soon we will be in your country," Alaa shares, "and it was the only time I saw him smile." The family's story is a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict, but also a testament to the power of international compassion and the enduring strength of the human spirit.