BREAKING: Two six-year-old twins, Yahya and Nabila Shorbasi, were critically injured after mistaking unexploded ordnance for a toy while playing outside their home in Gaza City. The tragic incident occurred shortly after their family returned home under a ceasefire established on October 10, 2023.
The children were rushed to Shifa Hospital following the explosion, which left them with life-threatening injuries. Their grandfather, Tawfiq Shorbasi, expressed his heartbreak, stating, “Their lives have been ruined forever.” As families return to their homes amid the fragile ceasefire, the dangers of unexploded ordnance remain alarmingly high.
Emergency surgery revealed the severity of the twins’ injuries. Yahya has suffered a lost hand and a hole in his bowel, while Nabila has sustained significant wounds to her forehead and is now being treated at Patient’s Friends Hospital. Doctors describe their conditions as stabilized, but the lack of medical supplies in Gaza raises serious concerns about their recovery.
The ongoing threat of unexploded ordnance is becoming increasingly evident. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least five children have been injured by such devices in the past week alone. A British emergency physician at Shifa Hospital noted, “We’re talking about a ceasefire, but the killing hasn’t stopped.”
The UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) reports that since the war began, at least 52 Palestinians have been killed and 267 others injured by unexploded ordnance. The organization estimates that 560 unexploded ordnance items have been discovered during the current ceasefire, with many more likely hidden beneath the rubble of destroyed buildings.
Health officials emphasize the immediate need for international de-mining efforts as the return of displaced families increases the risk of accidents. Luke Irving, head of UNMAS in the Palestinian territories, stated, “The explosive risk is incredibly high,” urging for urgent action to mitigate these dangers.
The emotional toll of this conflict is profound. The Shorbasi family, like many others, is grappling with the devastating aftermath of war. As more families sift through the rubble of what once were their homes, the tragedies continue to mount.
As of now, over 68,500 Palestinians have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry’s casualty records are regarded as reliable by UN agencies, although Israel disputes the numbers without providing alternative figures.
In light of these ongoing developments, international attention is focusing on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The imminent arrival of additional de-mining experts in the coming weeks is expected to help address the crisis of unexploded ordnance.
As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely. The twins’ story is a stark reminder of the dangers that linger even in moments of ceasefire, and the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to ensure the safety of returning families.
