An Israeli airstrike hit a house in Khan Yunis on Friday. As a result, nine children from the same family died. Gaza’s civil defence confirmed the deaths. Meanwhile, the Israeli army said it is reviewing the reports.

Strike Hits Doctors’ Family Home

According to Mahmud Bassal, spokesman for Gaza’s civil defence, rescuers recovered nine children’s bodies from the rubble. Some were burned. The house belonged to Dr Hamdi al-Najjar and his wife, Dr Alaa al-Najjar.

Moreover, the explosion seriously injured Dr Hamdi and one of his sons, Adam. Emergency workers rushed them to Nasser Hospital. A medical official at the hospital said Adam is 10 years old.

Attack Happened After Doctor Returned Home

Shortly after the incident, Muneer Alboursh, head of the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, posted on X. He said the strike occurred moments after Dr Hamdi dropped off his wife at work. She is a paediatric doctor at the same hospital.

He wrote, “This is the reality our medical staff in Gaza endure. Words fall short in describing the pain.” Furthermore, he accused Israel of “wiping out entire families.”

Footage Shows Burned Remains

Later, Gaza’s civil defence shared video footage from the site. It showed rescuers pulling burned bodies from the ruins. The house appeared heavily damaged.

Israel Issues Its Statement

In response, the Israeli military explained its actions. It stated, “We struck a number of suspects who were identified operating from a structure near our troops.” The army also said, “The Khan Yunis area is a dangerous warzone.”

However, it did not confirm the deaths of civilians. Instead, it said, “The claim regarding harm to uninvolved civilians is under review.”

Evacuation Was Ordered Earlier

Earlier that week, the army had issued a warning for civilians to leave Khan Yunis. Despite this, attacks have increased in recent days. At the same time, Israel faces global pressure to let in more aid. Though it eased the blockade slightly on March 2, humanitarian needs in Gaza remain urgent.