Great Mosque of Gaza, largest mosque in the Gaza Strip and a key landmark of Gaza city. Its origins as a mosque date to the reign of ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (634–644). The history of the mosque, whose site served as a sacred space long before the advent of Islam, is considered emblematic of the complex history of the region. The modern structure was built atop a 12th-century Crusader church, although its architecture preserved elements that date to the 5th century. Its most recent destruction took place in December 2023 during the Israel-Hamas War. In the second millennium bce, the site ...(100 of 502 words) Access the full article Help support true facts by becoming a member. Subscribe today!