Palestinians Hold Friday Prayers in the Ruins of Mosques in the Gaza Strip

Palestinians perform Friday prayers among the rubble of their homes destroyed in an Israeli military offensive, after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, 24 January 2025. (EPA)
Palestinians perform Friday prayers among the rubble of their homes destroyed in an Israeli military offensive, after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, 24 January 2025. (EPA)
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Palestinians Hold Friday Prayers in the Ruins of Mosques in the Gaza Strip

Palestinians perform Friday prayers among the rubble of their homes destroyed in an Israeli military offensive, after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, 24 January 2025. (EPA)
Palestinians perform Friday prayers among the rubble of their homes destroyed in an Israeli military offensive, after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, 24 January 2025. (EPA)

Palestinians have gathered for weekly Muslim prayers in the ruins of mosques in the Gaza Strip that were destroyed by Israeli strikes.

The prayers were held on the first Friday since a ceasefire went into effect that is aimed at ending the Israel-Hamas war and bringing about the release of dozens of hostages and hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned or detained by Israel.

Dozens of worshippers gathered amidst the crumbled walls and drooping ceiling of a mosque in the southern city of Khan Younis, while others prayed outside.

In the urban Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, children climbed on the destroyed minaret of a mosque.

Israel’s 15-month military campaign, launched after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack, caused vast destruction across Gaza.

Israel blames the devastation on Hamas because the fighters operate in dense, residential areas. Over the course of the war, the military released photos and video showing the placement of tunnels and other militant infrastructure near homes, mosques and schools.

The Palestinian Authority says more than 800 mosques were completely destroyed and more than 150 were damaged.



5 Israeli Soldiers Charged with Assault on a Palestinian Detainee 

Israeli soldiers walk over the rubble of damaged buildings at Tulkarem refugee camp, in the West Bank city of Tulkarem, 19 February 2025. (EPA)
Israeli soldiers walk over the rubble of damaged buildings at Tulkarem refugee camp, in the West Bank city of Tulkarem, 19 February 2025. (EPA)
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5 Israeli Soldiers Charged with Assault on a Palestinian Detainee 

Israeli soldiers walk over the rubble of damaged buildings at Tulkarem refugee camp, in the West Bank city of Tulkarem, 19 February 2025. (EPA)
Israeli soldiers walk over the rubble of damaged buildings at Tulkarem refugee camp, in the West Bank city of Tulkarem, 19 February 2025. (EPA)

Israeli military prosecutors have charge five soldiers with assault over an attack on a Palestinian detainee in which they sodomized him with a knife.

The military said the July 5, 2024, attack in the Sde Teiman facility “caused severe physical injury to the detainee, including cracked ribs, a punctured lung and an inner rectal tear.”

It said the soldiers took the detainee to a separate area, blindfolded and handcuffed, before assaulting him. It said the evidence for the attack was “extensive” and included footage from a security camera.

The five were among nine Israeli reservists arrested last July over the attack. A defense lawyer at the time denied the allegations, saying the soldiers responded with force when the detainee attacked them.

Their arrest triggered angry protests by supporters demanding their release, including members of parliament and at least two government ministers. Hard-liners in Israel have called for harsh treatment of suspected Hamas fighters.