79% of Gaza's mosques, three churches completely destroyed by 'Israel'

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
3 Feb 2025 14:12
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The Israeli genocide has not spared ancient, protected sites, but rather intentionally targeted Gaza's religious structures, completely destroying its mosques, churches, and graveyards.

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A mosque destroyed by the Israeli airstrikes in Nuseirat, Gaza Strip, on Friday, January 24, 2025. (AP)

The Israeli occupation has destroyed 79% of the mosques in the Gaza Strip and completely demolished three churches, according to the spokesperson for Gaza’s Ministry of Endowments, as reported by Anadolu Agency.

Ikrami al-Mudallal, the Endowments Ministry's spokesperson, stated that Israeli forces have also killed 255 clerics and imams affiliated with the ministry and detained 26 others.

"The targeting of mosques and places of worship by the occupation forces is a clear violation of all sanctities, international law, and human rights law," he said.

Additionally, al-Mudallal noted that the Israeli occupation forces have targeted 32 of Gaza’s 60 cemeteries, completely destroying 14 and partially damaging 18.

How 'Israel' desecrated Gaza's ancient structures

For centuries, Gaza has served as a vital crossroads between Asia and Africa, bearing witness to a rich tapestry of civilizations, cultures, and religions.

Among them is the Great Omari Mosque, Gaza’s largest and oldest mosque, which has stood for 1,400 years. Its minaret was destroyed, and significant portions of the structure suffered severe damage.

Other mosques affected by the attacks include the Sayed al-Hashim Mosque and the Katib al-Wilaya Mosque.

Churches have also been impacted. Saint Porphyrius Church, the oldest in Gaza and the third-oldest in the world, sustained damage, along with the Holy Family Church. The former was targeted early on during the genocide in an Israeli airstrike that killed and wounded hundreds of displaced people seeking shelter inside.

The St. Porphyrius massacre came two days after a brutal Israeli attack targeting al-Ahli Baptist church, located inside the Baptist Hospital in central Gaza, killing over 500 martyrs in a clear targeting of cadres, crews, and medical capabilities within the Strip.