GAZA, (PIC)
Since the beginning of the Al-Aqsa flood on October 7th, Israel unleashed its brutal aggression on everything in Gaza. No one and nothing was spared from its savage aggression, as it continued its barbaric shelling without regard for the sanctity of anything, targeting even places of worship.
The latest manifestation of this Zionist hatred and brutal aggression was directed at the Great Omari Mosque, that prominent historical landmark in the center of the Gaza Strip. This is one of the crimes that will remain a stain on the silent world, witnessing all these crimes that caused widespread destruction in the region.
Social media activists have circulated images showing the extensive damage inflicted on the historical mosque, which is considered the largest and most prestigious mosque in the Gaza Strip.
The “Great” Omari Mosque in Gaza City is considered one of the most important Islamic landmarks in Palestine, and the first, largest and most ancient mosque in the Gaza Strip and has a great history dating back more than 3,000 years.
The Great Omari Mosque, located in the Al-Daraj neighborhood in the center of Gaza City, is adjacent to the historic Al-Qeysariyah market. It is a massive structure of great historical and archaeological value, with beautiful architecture and design. Prayers are held there, and scholars study within its premises. Next to it is an ancient library.
The mosque covers an area of about 4,100 square meters, and its courtyard extends to 1,190 square meters. The building has about 38 marble columns.
Originally, the mosque had a pagan temple structure for worshiping idols, the sun, and planets during the era of pagan Greeks. It was later burned during the Christian Roman era, and its traces were removed. It was then transformed into a mosque for Muslims, known as the “Omari Mosque,” named after the Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, and “Al-Kabir” (the Great) because it is the largest mosque.
A heinous barbaric crime
Hamas Movement said in a statement that the Israeli occupation army’s bombing and destruction of the Great Omari Mosque is a “heinous barbaric crime that targets an important historical landmark and a religious symbol in the city of Gaza.”
The Movement added that the bombing of the historical mosque indicates “the extent of the deep-rooted hatred that this artificial entity, which lacks any historical roots, holds towards human civilization and its quest to destroy civilian life in the city of Gaza, as part of the genocide war it is waging against our Palestinian people and their existence on their land.”
Hamas affirmed that during this war, Israel targeted most of the historical landmarks in the Gaza Strip, including ancient mosques and historical churches that stood witness to the greatness of the Palestinian people. The criminal Israeli army has so far destroyed 104 mosques and three historical churches.
The number of mosques completely destroyed by the Israeli occupation forces in Gaza Strip reached 100 while 192 mosques were partially destroyed. Additionally, three churches were affected as a result of the aggression, according to statistics announced by the official Government Media Office in Gaza.
