Israel’s military operation in Gaza has been marked by a series of airstrikes targeting mosques and other civilian infrastructure, with the Israeli government claiming that these attacks were aimed at destroying Hamas’ alleged weapons storage facilities. However, eyewitnesses and human rights groups have disputed this account, stating that the strikes were primarily focused on central and northern Gaza.
According to reports from the Al Jazeera correspondent Tareq Abu Azzoum in Deir el-Balah, Israeli warplanes carried out a series of air strikes focusing on these areas, with no prior warning given to civilians. The strikes resulted in significant damage to buildings and infrastructure, including the destruction of the Al-Muttaqin Mosque.
The mosque was reportedly targeted by an airstrike that killed one person and injured several others. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with people combing through vast piles of rubble and debris after the strike. The Israeli military has admitted to bombing the mosque under “strict requirements,” but claims it was a legitimate target for Hamas.
The incident is part of a larger pattern of violence in Gaza, where there have been ongoing clashes between Palestinian militants and Israeli forces since March 2026. According to UN data, at least 164 sites have been damaged or destroyed since then, with fourteen being religious sites.
Human rights groups have condemned the Israeli military’s actions as “war crimes” and have called for urgent intervention to protect mosques and places of worship. The Palestinian Red Crescent has reported that eight Palestinians fled their homes in Abu Najim after a fire broke out at a settlement, while settlers set fire to a building and sprayed graffiti on its walls.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas, which have been engaged in a bitter conflict for years. The situation remains volatile, with periodic outbreaks of violence and clashes between Palestinian militants and Israeli forces.
As of March 24, 2026, UN’s cultural agency Unesco had verified damage to at least 164 sites since the start of Israel’s war on Gaza. Fourteen of those are religious sites, including mosques, schools, and hospitals.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, where over two million Palestinians live under Israeli occupation. The international community has called for an end to the violence and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Source: Dawn
Based on reporting from Dawn.
