Israeli bombing destroyed 26 mosques across Gaza: Ministry

GAZA CITY, Palestine

Israeli bombing has destroyed 26 mosques in the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, the Gaza-based Endowments and Religious Affairs Ministry said Saturday.

The ministry said dozens of mosques were also severely damaged by Israeli airstrikes in most areas of the enclave.

It said Israeli warplanes also destroyed the ministry's headquarters, the ministry's Quran radio station and a church.

It urged "the Islamic and international organizations to urgently intervene to take practical steps to stop the aggression on Gaza, and to hold Israel accountable for its criminal practices against civilians, mosques and churches."

The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began when Palestinian resistance group Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood -- a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea and air.

Hamas said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

At least 4,385 Palestinians, including 1,756 children, have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza. The figure stands at more than 1,400 in Israel.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar