In a heart-wrenching tragedy in Gaza, newborn twins Aysal and Aser, along with their mother and grandmother, were killed in an airstrike while their father, Mohammed Abu al Qumsan, was out collecting their birth certificates. The twins were just four days old, having been born over the weekend in Deir al Balah, central Gaza. When Mohammed returned home with the certificates, he found his family had been obliterated.

The family had recently been displaced from northern Gaza, seeking refuge in the southern region, as advised during the conflict. Local media reported they had moved to Deir al Balah, hoping for safety. In a video shared widely on social media, Mohammed can be seen in utter devastation, collapsing in grief as he holds what appear to be the birth certificates of his newborn children.

Joumana Arafa, Mohammed’s wife and a pharmacist, had given birth by Cesarean section and joyfully announced the twins’ arrival on Facebook. However, while Mohammed was at the local government office registering the births, their temporary home was bombed. “I don’t know what happened,” he said in disbelief, learning from neighbours that a shell had struck their house.

This tragic event underscores the ongoing devastation in Gaza, where Israel’s military operations have led to significant civilian casualties. Palestinian health authorities report a staggering number of deaths and injuries, with civilians like Mohammed’s family caught in the crossfire.