Abdul Wali Abdo Hussein Al-Najjar

Their life

Hussein Alnajjar was a dedicated Palestinian nurse and health worker who devoted his life to supporting communities in Gaza. An orphan who grew up without a father, he was the eldest of four brothers and served as a source of strength for his family. Hussein worked with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) at clinics in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis from January 2024 and had previously contributed as a sterilization technician in a limb reconstruction project at Al-Awda Hospital. He was known for his passion, dedication, and love for life, both professionally and personally.

Hussein Alnajjar was committed to providing essential medical care to civilians in Gaza amid ongoing conflict. He had served with MSF in various capacities, including as a nurse and a sterilization technician, demonstrating professionalism and compassion in highly challenging conditions. Hussein was also a devoted husband and father of three young children, and he financially supported his brother in pursuing a medical degree in Egypt.

Hussein’s life was tragically cut short on 16 September 2025 when shrapnel from an Israeli airstrike struck near his tent, killing him and injuring two family members. His death marked the 13th MSF colleague killed in Gaza since the onset of hostilities, reflecting the extreme dangers faced by aid workers and the urgent need to protect civilians and medical personnel in conflict zones. His legacy remains one of courage, dedication to humanitarian service, and love for his family.

How they died

Hussein Alnajjar died from shrapnel injuries caused by an Israeli airstrike near his tent in Gaza.

Hussein Alnajjar was killed when an airstrike hit near his temporary shelter in Gaza. The blast caused shrapnel to strike him fatally, while also injuring his sister-in-law and nephew. He was a health worker providing medical care to civilians at the time, underscoring the dangers faced by humanitarian personnel in active conflict zones. MSF condemned the attack and highlighted the systematic targeting of civilian and medical personnel during the hostilities.

A plea from the family

MSF and public reports highlight the suffering of Hussein’s family. His wife and three children survived him, and his sister-in-law and nephew were injured. His family, along with MSF, called for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers, immediate restoration of the ceasefire, and accountability for the deaths of aid workers in Gaza. MSF emphasized that such attacks must stop and that medical personnel and facilities should always be respected under international humanitarian law.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Abdul Wali Abdo Hussein Al-Najjar, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources