Unprecedented Destruction: 60 Mosques Demolished as Israel-Hamas Conflict Escalates in Gaza Strip

 In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the destruction of religious structures has reached unprecedented levels in the Gaza Strip. The state-run news agency of Palestine, Wafa, reported that a total of 60 mosques have been destroyed since the start of the war on October 7. Most of these mosques were targeted during Israeli airstrikes. The latest mosque to come under fire is the al-Salam Mosque in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City. This mosque is located in the northern part of the besieged territory, where Israel has been conducting its ground offensive. Residents in this area have been issued repeated ultimatums by the Israel Defense Force to evacuate.

The destruction of the al-Salam Mosque brings the total number of religious structures demolished by Israeli forces in Gaza to 60. This level of destruction has never been seen before in recent history. Despite cultural properties and houses of worship having protection under international humanitarian law, these religious sites have been targeted. The United States and the European Union have raised concerns about Hamas using civilians as human shields. This accusation, previously denounced by Israeli authorities, adds to the complexity of the conflict.

As the death toll continues to rise in Gaza, with more than 11,000 Palestinians reported killed, including many women and minors, the situation remains dire. Israeli forces have reached the gates of Gaza City's main hospital, causing a severe shortage of fuel and resulting in patients, including newborn babies, losing their lives. There is also a growing concern that the conflict could spread beyond Gaza.

Clashes have escalated on Israel's northern border with Lebanon, and the United States has launched airstrikes on Iran-linked militia targets in neighboring Syria. The destruction of religious structures in Gaza and the escalating death toll underline the urgent need for a ceasefire and efforts to restore peace in the region. The ongoing conflict has caused immense suffering for both Palestinians and Israelis, with innocent lives being lost on both sides.