These two little children have died after deadly phosphine gas used to kill rodents leaked into their apartment.

Palestinian health officials said the tragedy happened in the town of Beit Sahour in the Bethlehem Governorate in the state of Palestine on 21st December.

The two children were identified as Fares Bannoura and his older sister Maya Wissam Bannoura who died a day after.

Also affected were other members of the family who are currently hospitalised.

The region around the apartment block where the tragedy happened was evacuated for 48 hours.

The local health director, Dr Shadi Al-Lahham, said: “We took this emergency measure to safeguard the leaves of people living there and to allow the apartments contaminated to be ventilated.”

No official reason was given as to how the gas ended up in the apartments, but it is known to be used in rodent extermination.

It is favoured as a pest control poison because it leaves no toxic residue once the gas is dispersed, and it is also cost-effective and acts very quickly.

The gas can either enter the human body by inhalation or through the skin. Children are likely to be more affected as it stays on the ground, and they can breathe it in more easily than adults.

An autopsy is being carried out to confirm the cause of death, according to prosecutors.

Dr Shadi Al-Lahham said that the gas is not licensed by the Ministry of Health for any usage and in many countries, is banned completely.