Gaza: A devastating airstrike carried out by the Israeli military struck a mosque near Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, on Sunday, resulting in at least 24 fatalities and injuring 93 others, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa.
The tragic attack occurred during a time when the mosque was serving as a refuge for displaced individuals, raising fears that the death toll could rise as more people sought shelter within its walls. Witnesses reported continuous explosions and chaos in the area, highlighting the severe impact of the assault on the local community.
In a statement released after the attack, the Israeli army asserted that the airstrike targeted “Hamas terrorists present in the ‘Shuhada al-Aqsa’ mosque in the area of Deir al-Balah,” claiming that the mosque was being used as a command and control centre by the militant group. This assertion has been met with widespread condemnation from Palestinian authorities and international observers.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs in Gaza has provided alarming statistics on the extensive destruction caused by Israeli attacks. To date, 814 of Gaza’s 1,245 mosques have been destroyed, with an additional 148 severely damaged. The ministry also reported the destruction of three churches and the deliberate targeting of 19 out of 60 cemeteries, resulting in an estimated financial loss of $350 million.
Further accusations from the Ministry of Religious Affairs include allegations of Israel desecrating graves, exhuming bodies, and committing acts of violence against the deceased. The ministry also reported that the Israeli army has killed 238 of its employees during ground operations in the region, with 19 individuals detained.
The relentless airstrikes and ground assaults have significantly impacted Gaza’s infrastructure and civilian population, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the area. International calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian corridors have intensified as the death toll continues to rise and the destruction of essential services and places of worship persists.
As tensions remain high, the international community watches closely, urging both sides to de-escalate and seek peaceful resolutions to prevent further loss of life and destruction.
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