Israel has destroyed 31 mosques in Gaza: Ministry

Israeli airstrikes on the besieged Gaza Strip have destroyed five more mosques, bringing the total number to 31 since October 7, the Gaza-based Endowments and Religious Affairs Ministry said.

“The number of mosques completely destroyed since the beginning of Israel’s attacks on Gaza has increased to 31,” the ministry said in a statement on Sunday (October 22).

On Saturday, it also highlighted the Israeli bombardment of several civilian sites such as the ministry’s headquarters, the ministry’s Quran radio station and a church.

It said that 10 employees from the ministry lost their lives in these attacks, and others had been injured.

The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since October 7, began when 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. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers._Agencies