The Hamas movement, which is hostile to Israel, claimed that the Israeli Defense Forces destroyed the Grand Mosque in Gaza, also known as the Grand Omar Mosque or Al-Kabir Mosque. Reports from El Gad TV channel attributed the claim to Hamas sources in Gaza.
Hamas asserted that the mosque was razed in an Israeli air strike, a detail echoed by Palestinian-linked media accounts that have circulated photos showing damage to the mosque. The images depict collapsed outer walls, a damaged section of the roof, and a crack at the base of the minaret, according to the coverage originating from Hamas-affiliated channels and agencies.
Officials indicated that the exact date of the incident could not be confirmed at that time. The Grand Mosque of Omar, dating back to the 5th century, stands in the old quarter of Gaza City and is noted as the oldest and largest religious site in the area. It is described as being situated on the site of an ancient Christian temple rebuilt following the Arab conquest.
In other remarks, an Israeli Defense Forces spokesman, Daniel Hagari, referred to updates during a briefing about the surrender of supporters of the Palestinian movement Hamas, as reported by various outlets. The briefing touched on the broader context of the conflict and the statements made in relation to Hamas-supporting factions.
Earlier, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant had stated that after a brief ceasefire, the Gaza operation was expected to continue for at least two months, framing the military objectives within a long-running campaign. The statements highlight the continuing emphasis on security operations amid ongoing hostilities in the region.