A British surgeon treating Adam, the sole surviving child of Dr. Alaa al-Najjar, has raised serious concerns about the future of the boy. Adam, who miraculously lived through an Israeli airstrike that killed nine of his siblings, may face long-term physical and mental health challenges, even if his body heals.
Dr. Graeme Groom, working at Nasser Hospital in Gaza, described the boy’s condition as heartbreaking. “Poor little Adam and his mother, and his father—if he survives—have endured an unimaginable tragedy,” Groom told Al Jazeera. He explained that Adam’s traumatic brain injury is still being assessed, and the emotional toll on the boy may last a lifetime.
Grief Without Closure
Adding to the family’s sorrow, the bodies of two of the children remain trapped under rubble. The Najjar family has been prevented from retrieving them for proper burial.
This loss is not just personal—it reflects the broader suffering of Palestinian families. Dr. Groom emphasized, “The people here in Palestine are extraordinarily resilient. But they don’t want to be known as resilient. They want the bombs to stop.”
Health Crisis Amid Conflict
Medical teams in Gaza face severe challenges. The healthcare infrastructure is overwhelmed, and doctors are dealing with complex trauma cases under constant threat.
Dr. Groom, one of several foreign surgeons volunteering in Gaza, highlighted the lasting consequences of such violence. “Even if Adam’s physical injuries heal, his brain trauma and psychological scars are likely to affect him for years.”
Gaza’s Children
Adam’s case has drawn global attention, symbolizing the price children are paying in the conflict. Human rights groups have repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire and protection of civilians, particularly children.
Adam is now not only a survivor but a silent witness to a horrific loss. His recovery journey is uncertain, but it sheds light on the untold suffering of many Palestinian families.
