An Israeli airstrike struck the Al-Muttaqin Mosque in central Gaza City near the YMCA on July 28, completely destroying the building [1, 2, 3]. The attack also demolished tents sheltering displaced Palestinian families and caused extensive damage to nearby homes and civilian property [2, 3]. Many of the tents housed families forced from their homes by earlier Israeli attacks, living in harsh conditions with limited access to basic necessities [2, 3].
The airstrike left hundreds of Palestinians homeless, compounding humanitarian challenges in Gaza [2, 3]. The YMCA close to the strike site is a Christian community institution providing social and humanitarian services to all residents regardless of religion [2, 3].
This attack took place despite a ceasefire agreement that began on October 10, 2025 [2, 3]. Since the military offensive launched by Israel on October 8, 2023, Palestinian authorities report over 73,000 deaths and more than 174,000 wounded, with approximately 90% of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure destroyed [2, 3].
As of July 2, 2026, the Gaza Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs reported that Israeli attacks had completely destroyed 1,050 of Gaza’s 1,275 mosques, with 191 others partly damaged [2, 3].
The destruction of the Al-Muttaqin Mosque and displacement tents marks the latest in a series of devastating strikes. The impact has intensified the displacement crisis and destruction of cultural and religious sites in Gaza.
Relief groups and local authorities continue to assess damage and help displaced families recover amidst ongoing security concerns in the area [3].
