Palestinian Doctor Evacuated to Italy with Only Surviving Son

MILAN, Italy — Dr. Alaa al-Najjar, a Palestinian doctor, and her only surviving son, Adam, were evacuated from Gaza to Italy after a devastating Israeli air strike that killed her husband and nine of their children last month. The pair arrived at Milan‘s Linate airport on Wednesday evening, where Adam will receive medical treatment for his injuries.

Alaa and 11-year-old Adam al-Najjar were transported by ambulance from Gaza to an airport in Eilat, Israel, then flown to Milan on a military charter. The evacuation was facilitated by Italy’s foreign ministry following an appeal from Adam’s uncle.

On May 23, a missile struck their home in Khan Younis while Alaa was working at a nearby hospital. Her husband, Dr. Hamdi al-Najjar, was killed shortly after, along with their children, ages seven months to 12 years. Alaa recalled the moment she was informed of the tragedy when the remains of seven of her children were brought into the hospital.

“I am not strong. Everyone says I am. They call me a hero because I keep going, but I want the right not to be strong,” Alaa told Italian newspaper La Repubblica. Adam, who suffered multiple injuries including a fractured arm, expressed hopes for a peaceful future, saying he dreams of living in a place without bombs.

This evacuation is part of a humanitarian effort that has seen over 150 Palestinian patients treated in Italy since the conflict escalated following an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Over 55,000 people have reportedly been killed in Gaza since the conflict began.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that Alaa, Adam, and their relatives were among 80 Palestinians evacuated on three flights. Alaa is hopeful for a new chapter in their lives in Italy, especially focused on Adam’s recovery and education.