‘Israel’ reduced 604 mosques to rubble, stole 1,000 bodies from Gaza

The Gaza Strip’s Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs has revealed that Israeli occupation forces (IOF) completely demolished or damaged hundreds of mosques in the Strip since the deadly onslaught on Gaza began on October 7.

The ministry detailed in a statement that 604 mosques have been reduced to rubble during the current war, with another 200 partially destroyed, in addition to three churches that were completely destroyed.

Moreover, according to the statement, Israeli troops desecrated at least 60 cemeteries during their ground assault on Gaza, using bulldozers to dig up graves, and stole the bodies of over 1,000 Palestinian martyrs.

Additionally, 15 buildings belonging to the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs were destroyed during the Israeli aggression, including the ministry’s headquarters, the main office of Holy Quran Radio in Gaza City, the Endowment Management office in Khan Younis, and a repository for documents and manuscripts.

According to the statement, “Israel’s” attacks killed 91 ministry personnel as well. 

The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced in its daily report today that the number of Palestinians killed in Gaza due to the Israeli genocidal war ongoing since October 7 has now reached 35,386, in addition to 79,366 injured.

Additionally, it confirmed that the Israeli occupation forces committed nine massacres in 24 hours only, killing 83 and injuring 105.

The ministry stressed that thousands of victims, presumed dead, are still under the rubble on the streets, as the occupation forces continue to deliberately prevent ambulances and civil defense crews from reaching them. 

‘Israel’, in pursuit of more damage, pain, goes after heritage in Gaza

In November, NGOs reported that the bombing of the Gaza Strip has not only targeted thousands of Palestinians but also demolished several historical architecture and heritage sites.

Several historic mosques have been damaged as a result of the continuous Israeli air attacks. 

According to a preliminary estimate by a Spanish NGO dedicated to cultural heritage preservation, 104 such sites have been damaged or entirely destroyed by Israeli forces.

The Omari Mosque is a 1,400-year-old structure that survived conquests and earthquakes but was entirely crushed in the Jabalia refugee camp, immediately after the bombing of Saint Porphyrius church, which is thought to be the third oldest church in the world having been built about 407 AD.

The mosque, with just its iconic minaret remaining among mounds of debris, is similar to the countless ancient landmarks destroyed since “Israel” began its aggression on Gaza. 

The Palestinian Culture Ministry reported that as of January 1, Israeli attacks demolished 207 archaeological and heritage sites in Gaza out of a total of 325 registered sites.