A few hours later, an Israeli attack pulverised the Hajj home next door, flinging body parts of their children across the street.

The explosions also caused Nidaa, 28, to miscarry.

Even for a people used to the consequences of Israel's bombs, Mr Al Halaby, 34, and Palestinians living in the area struggled to describe what may be the bloodiest massacre during three days of air strikes on Gaza.

"There were body parts everywhere," Mr Al Halaby said in front of the mangled beams and shattered cinder blocks that used to form the Hajj family's house.