SAFA – At a time when Israel's genocide sought to shatter the dreams of thousands of students in the Gaza Strip, three triplets from the southern city of Khan Younis have written an extraordinary story of resilience, overcoming years of pain, displacement, and disability to excel in their high school examinations.

Abdullah, Nada, and Sama Hassan Mousa did not have an easy path to success. Their journey was marked by hardship, but their determination carried them through.

The three siblings achieved outstanding results in the General Secondary Education Certificate Examination (Tawjihi).

Abdullah scored 94.6%, Nada achieved 94.4%, and Sama earned 97.5%. Their accomplishment represents more than academic excellence. It is a victory over the immense hardships they endured throughout the Israeli genocide.

"It was a stage full of hardships and challenges," Abdullah said.

"Despite the destruction, despite my limited mobility, and despite being unable to reach educational centers, I succeeded thanks to God and then to my father, who hired specialized teachers at our own expense to teach us the required subjects. Praise be to God, I was able to achieve this score."

Speaking to Felesteen newspaper, Abdullah said the genocide made studying far more difficult, but he remained determined to fulfill his dream. He expressed gratitude to everyone who supported him throughout the ordeal.

Abdullah hopes to study Islamic Sharia at university, though he knows that pursuing higher education will present another challenge because he requires accessible facilities and services to move around independently.

"I hope the necessary services will be available so I can reach the university, study comfortably, and excel there," he said.

Nada hopes to study psychological counseling, while Sama dreams of becoming a doctor.

A Double Blessing

Their father, Dr. Hassan Mousa, described the success of his three children as a double blessing, considering everything they had endured during the genocide.

"We thank Almighty God for this success despite all the hardships. It came through God's grace and through the tremendous efforts of both our family and our children," he said.

He explained that the family had faced numerous challenges.

"We suffered greatly. There were financial and technical difficulties, in addition to their special needs. That is why this achievement is especially meaningful."

Abdullah and his sister Nada live with mobility impairments caused by oxygen deprivation at birth and rely on electric wheelchairs. However, the genocide has made their lives even more difficult, as destroyed roads and the lack of essential equipment have severely restricted their movement.

"Because of the genocide and the condition of the streets, they can no longer use their electric wheelchairs. The necessary equipment is unavailable, and even wheelchair batteries are missing. These have been among the greatest challenges we have faced and continue to endure," their father said.

Education presented another major obstacle. Unable to travel, the siblings could not attend school or educational centers, forcing their family to hire private tutors to teach them at home.

"They had no way of going to schools or classrooms like other students, so we brought teachers to our home," Dr. Hassan said.

The family also endured repeated displacement. During the genocide, they were forced to flee from Rafah to Deir al-Balah, before eventually seeking shelter in displacement camps in the Al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis under extremely difficult conditions.

Despite every obstacle, the three siblings persevered. Their success became a powerful reminder that determination can create hope even in the darkest circumstances.

Abdullah summed up their journey with a message of resilience.

"We remain steadfast. Despite all the hardships, we were able to celebrate and express our true joy. The people of Gaza are capable of rising again."

The story of these three triplets stands as a testament to the resilience of Gaza's youth, proving that while war may delay dreams, it cannot extinguish them, and that education remains a path to hope even amid the ruins.