Great Omari Mosque

The Great Omari Mosque, located in Gaza City, is a significant landmark with a history spanning over 2,000 years. It is considered Gaza's oldest and largest mosque. The mosque is newsworthy due to its destruction in an Israeli strike in December 2023. Currently, Palestinian workers are undertaking recovery work at the war-damaged heritage site, clearing rubble from the ruins, including the distinctive octagonal minaret. The Palestinian Authority has also submitted files to UNESCO to list the mosque and other sites as World Heritage sites, aiming to protect Palestinian cultural heritage from Israeli appropriation. The mosque's destruction and subsequent recovery efforts highlight its cultural and historical importance to the people of Gaza and the broader Palestinian community.