Israeli occupation forces on Wednesday obliterated the second-largest historical mosque in Gaza, transforming it into rubble, Quds Press reported.
Israeli warplanes launched several missiles at the Ibn Uthman Mosque in the Shuja’iyya neighborhood of central Gaza City, a week into a relentless offensive on the area.
According to experts, the mosque was the second-largest archaeological mosque in the Gaza Strip, second only to the Great Al-Omari Mosque in the Al-Daraj neighborhood. The destruction of the Ibn Uthman Mosque is a significant loss, marking a blow to the ancient history of Gaza City.
Residents of the Shuja’iyya neighborhood referred to the mosque as the Great Mosque due to its expansive area and central location in the neighborhood’s main market, which had a profound impact on their lives since its establishment more than 600 years ago.
The Ibn Uthman Mosque had previously endured attacks and partial demolition during earlier wars on Gaza and was a focal point of confrontations with Israeli forces during the First Intifada, which erupted in December 1987.
Covering an area of 2,000 square meters, with a 400-square-meter main courtyard, the mosque featured two gates overlooking the Shuja’iyya market. It was constructed in the Mamluk architectural style, adding to its historical and cultural significance.
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