GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — A tragic incident occurred in Gaza City when 6-year-old twins Yahya and Nabila Shorbasi were injured by unexploded ordnance that they mistook for a toy. The children were playing near their severely damaged home when the device detonated, causing serious injuries. Their grandfather, Tawfiq Shorbasi, described the moment, saying, "It was like a toy. It was extremely difficult." The twins were rushed to Shifa Hospital on Friday, where they received emergency treatment.

The Shorbasi family had recently returned to their home following a ceasefire that began on October 10. Many Palestinians are returning to their homes, but the risks remain high as they sift through rubble for belongings and search for missing loved ones. Tawfiq Shorbasi expressed his heartbreak, stating, "We’ve just returned last week. Their lives have been ruined forever."

Yahya was treated for severe injuries, including a lost hand and broken bones, while Nabila suffered a bandaged forehead and shrapnel wounds. A British emergency physician at the hospital reported that both children had life-threatening injuries, including a hole in the bowel and potential loss of a leg. Although their conditions have stabilized after surgery, medical staff are concerned about their recovery due to a lack of supplies in Gaza. Dr. Harriet, who chose not to disclose her last name, said, "Now it’s just a waiting game so I hope that they both survive, but at this point in time I can’t say, and this is a common recurrence."

Health workers have identified unexploded ordnance as a significant threat to civilians in Gaza. In the past week, five children have been reported injured by such devices, including two others, Yazan and Jude Nour, who were hurt while inspecting their home. Dr. Harriet remarked, "This is the death trap. We’re talking about a ceasefire, but the killing hasn’t stopped."

The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 68,500 Palestinian deaths, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. The ministry's casualty records are generally considered reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts, although Israel has disputed these figures without providing its own.

Luke Irving, head of the U.N. Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in the Palestinian territories, warned that the risk of explosives remains high as displaced individuals and aid workers return to areas previously occupied by the Israeli military. As of October 7, UNMAS reported at least 52 Palestinians killed and 267 injured by unexploded ordnance since the conflict escalated. Irving noted that the actual numbers could be much higher, with 560 unexploded items found during the current ceasefire and many more likely buried under debris.

The aftermath of two years of conflict has left Gaza with approximately 60 million tons of debris. In the coming weeks, additional international de-mining experts are expected to assist in the recovery of unexploded ordnance. Irving stated, "As expected, we’re now finding more items because we’re getting out more; the teams have more access."