Israel has destroyed hundreds of mosques in Gaza: 'They did it systematically and deliberately'

The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs in the Gaza Strip reported that as a result of the genocidal war launched by the Israeli army against Palestinians in the region since October 7, 79 percent of mosques, as well as 3 churches and 19 cemeteries, have been destroyed.

In a written statement, the ministry stated, 'The occupation army systematically and deliberately destroyed 814 out of 1,245 mosques, which is 79 percent, damaged 148 mosques and 3 churches, and targeted 19 out of 60 cemeteries.'

The statement emphasized that the cost of these attacks and destruction to the ministry is 350 million dollars.

'BARBARIC' COMPARISON FOR THE ISRAELI ARMY

Pointing out that the Israeli army has stolen bodies from many of the cemeteries it struck, the statement said, 'During the genocidal war, the occupation army overturned graves and brutally and barbarically disrespected or stole the bodies of thousands of martyrs.'

The statement noted that 238 of the ministry's employees have been killed by the Israeli army and 19 have been detained, adding that the Israeli army also destroyed 11 of the ministry's administrative and educational centers.

The statement highlighted that the ministry strongly condemns Israel's attacks on places of worship in the Gaza Strip and called on the international community, especially international institutions and organizations, to take action to stop Israel's genocidal war.

WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN GAZA SINCE OCTOBER 7?

Hamas's armed wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, launched a comprehensive attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, citing 'the need to respond to continuous violations against Palestinians and sacred values, especially the Al-Aqsa Mosque.'

Israel announced that 1,200 Israelis were killed and 5,132 people were injured in the October 7 attacks.

In the attacks Israel has carried out on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 41,825 Palestinians, including approximately 17,000 children and 11,378 women, have been killed, and 96,910 people have been injured.

HOSPITALS ARE BEING DELIBERATELY TARGETED

While it is reported that there are still thousands of dead under the rubble, civilian infrastructure is also being destroyed by targeting hospitals and educational institutions where people have taken shelter.

The Israeli army announced that 724 of its soldiers have been killed, 346 of them during the ground invasion process, and 4,448 soldiers have been injured since the attacks on the Gaza Strip began on October 7.

During the "humanitarian pause" in the fighting, which was granted for 4 days on November 24, 2023, and later extended for another 3 days, 81 Israeli and 240 Palestinian prisoners were released in exchange. Meanwhile, Israel has continued to detain and imprison thousands of Palestinians.

In the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, 741 Palestinians have lost their lives in attacks by Israeli soldiers and Israelis who have usurped Palestinian lands since October 7, 2023.

Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza had been targeted by Israel

News Source: AA