Israel Attacking ‘Heart of Community’ by Targeting Gaza Mosques
In a heartbreaking series of targeted strikes, the Israeli occupation military has left dozens of mosques, including the iconic Al-Omari Mosque, in ruins. The destruction not only represents a loss of architectural marvels but also a profound blow to the Palestinian heritage deeply intertwined with these sacred places.
Since October 7, over 300 mosques and three churches have been completely or partially destroyed, creating a void in the affected neighborhoods during prayer times. The soul-stirring call to prayer, once a daily ritual, has been replaced by the eerie silence of destruction.
For 25-year-old Khaled Abu Jame from the southern city of Khan Younis, the absence of the call to prayer is a poignant reminder of the impact on daily life. "Residents here now follow the call to prayer through their phones. This war has been unlike anything we've experienced before. Mosques, a symbol of our faith, have been targeted indiscriminately," he told Middle East Eye.
The Al-Omari Mosque, with its rich history dating back to Caliph Omar bin al-Khattab's reign, was not merely a place of worship but a central hub of community life. Jame recalls the beautiful memories associated with the mosque: daily prayers, Ramadan and Eid celebrations, Quran readings, and gatherings with friends.
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Mosques have been deeply woven into the lives of Gazans since childhood with the call to prayer serves as their morning wake-up, and the mosque standing as a guiding landmark for anyone searching for their homes, according to Jame.
It's more than a mere building; it represents “the heart of the community,” he emphasizes.
The destruction of these mosques, including the Grand Omari Mosque, has left the Gaza community grappling with loss and questioning the motivations behind the attacks. Gaza native Saeed Labad, now based in Turkey, mourns the destruction of the cherished Al-Omari Mosque in Shujaiyya, Gaza City, where his family resides.
"I attended every prayer there. It's a cherished ancient place my children love. I wonder why it was destroyed; does the mosque threaten the occupiers?" he questions, highlighting the emotional ties people have with these places.
Despite the devastation, many Palestinians remain resilient, continuing to attend mosques even in the face of danger. Khaled Islim, 30, from Khan Younis, expresses unwavering determination: "I won't hesitate to go to the mosque. If I die there, it's a beautiful end to my life."
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The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities strongly condemned the destruction of the Omari Mosque, framing it as part of Israel's larger plan to erase Palestinian heritage. The ministry appealed to UNESCO and the global community, urging international intervention to compel Israel to "cease its aggression against the Palestinian people and their heritage."
In the aftermath of this cultural devastation, the resilience of the Gaza community is evident. As they navigate the rubble of their sacred places, there is an unwavering determination to rebuild not just structures but the cultural and historical fabric that defines their identity.
Source: Agencies
