One Afternoon in Gaza: Two Family Tragedies and the Impact of Israeli Airstrikes on Children

On May 23, 2024, an Israeli airstrike in Gaza led to the death of Yaqeen Hammad. Around 3pm on that day, Dr. Alaa al-Najjar, a pediatrician working at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, received the remains of seven of her ten children, who were killed in the same incident. This event is part of a broader pattern of civilian casualties in Gaza, where ongoing military operations have resulted in significant loss of life and injury, particularly among children. According to humanitarian organizations and United Nations reports, children in Gaza have been disproportionately affected by the conflict, facing risks of death, injury, and psychological trauma. The events of May 23 reflect the daily dangers faced by families in Gaza as a result of the ongoing hostilities between Israeli forces and armed groups in the territory. The situation has drawn international concern and calls for the protection of civilians, especially minors, in conflict zones.