UncategorizedUncategorized 21 Jul, 2025 Chloe Rivera
It has been widely reported by international organizations and media outlets that a significant number of Palestinian religious sites, including mosques and churches, have been damaged or destroyed during Israeli attacks in Gaza and the West Bank. 
Human rights organizations and media reports have detailed the destruction of mosques, churches, and other cultural heritage sites in Gaza, particularly during the ongoing conflict that began in October 2023. The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry has stated that these attacks are part of a widespread assault on the Palestinian people and may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, according to ohchr. Reports also document damage to churches in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and frequent militarized incursions and harassment of worshippers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. 
Several factors are cited as potential reasons behind these actions:
  • Security Justifications: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) states that Hamas fighters have used places of worship for cover and as launch points for attacks. However, Hamas denies these allegations.
  • Settler Violence and Displacement: In the West Bank, attacks on religious sites are linked to a campaign of settler violence aimed at displacing Palestinians from their land, according to Al Jazeera.
  • Exploiting Trauma and Perpetuating Violence: The Israeli government has been accused of exploiting the trauma experienced by Israelis on October 7, 2023, to justify and carry out what some term "genocide and ethnic cleansing" in Gaza, according to B'Tselem.
  • Political and Ideological Agendas: Experts have suggested that the current far-right Israeli government's policies and statements, which include calls to annex Gaza and encourage Palestinian emigration, embolden settlers and contribute to the ongoing attacks.
  • Failure of Accountability: Concerns have been raised about the lack of accountability for attacks by settlers and the inadequate enforcement of the law, potentially encouraging further violence. 
It is important to note that international laws and conventions prohibit the targeting of places of worship during wartime unless they are used for military purposes. International organizations like UNESCO have urged all parties to respect international law and protect cultural property.