On May 23, 2025, a tragic series of events unfolded in Gaza as an Israeli airstrike led to the deaths of numerous civilians, including children.

Dr. Alaa al-Najjar, a paediatrician at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, was forced to deal with the loss of seven of her children after they were killed in the strikes, while two were reported buried under debris.

Nearby, the life of 11-year-old Yaqeen Hammad, noted for her social media influence, was cut short.

She was reportedly killed while watering flowers at her family's residence in a displacement camp when heavy airstrikes hit the area.

Her cousin, 16-year-old Eyad, sustained severe injuries in the attack.

This incident has amplified concerns regarding the safety of children in Gaza, where according to local health officials, over 16,500 children have been reported killed since the beginning of the current conflict, a statistic significantly higher than that observed in Ukraine since the onset of its war with Russia.

Dr. Najjar has been observed in deep mourning at the hospital, spending hours near the intensive care unit where her sole surviving child, 11-year-old Adam, remains in critical condition with extensive burns covering more than 60% of his body.

Additionally, her husband, Hamdi, a physician, also survived the attack but is reportedly suffering from severe injuries, including brain damage.

In response to the escalating tragedy, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described the Khan Younis region as a dangerous war zone while stating that the claims regarding civilian casualties are currently under review.

Eyad's father, Hussein Hassan, a paramedic, expressed sorrow over the loss of his niece and the injury of his son, questioning the rationale behind the strikes that impacted children engaged in non-threatening activities.

The situation for children in Gaza extends beyond immediate violence.

A humanitarian catastrophe caused by ongoing Israeli blockades has led to severe food shortages, with reports indicating that 29 children and elderly people died of starvation in just two days.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification estimates nearly 71,000 children under five could suffer from acute malnutrition by early next year, with 14,100 cases categorized as severe.

Organizations such as UNICEF indicate that thousands of children have received treatment for malnutrition this year.

Amid these dire circumstances, Hamas has acknowledged receipt of Israel's response to a U.S. ceasefire proposal, although officials have indicated that the terms do not adequately address Palestinian concerns.

The White House confirmed that Israel had tentatively agreed to the U.S. truce proposal, which includes the potential for a 60-day ceasefire alongside the release of hostages held by Hamas and the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Political tensions in Israel have been heightened as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces pressure from coalition partners regarding the ongoing conflict.

Statements from Israeli officials have emphasized a commitment to continuing military operations until declared objectives are achieved.

Efforts to address the humanitarian crisis have seen the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation expand its operations, with reports of food distribution amid troubled scenes marked by violence.

Recent attacks, including strikes in Jabaliya refugee camp and Bureij camp, have resulted in numerous casualties, adding to the already substantial toll of the conflict that has reportedly claimed over 54,000 lives in Gaza since the escalation began following a Hamas attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2023.

The plight of children and civilians in Gaza amidst this ongoing conflict underscores a complex situation marked by loss, hardship, and urgent humanitarian needs.