Charities in Bosnia, Serbia collect aid for Palestinians

The Islamic Unions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia collected cash aid for Palestinians after Friday prayers in mosques.

After the Friday sermon that condemned Israel's attacks against civilians in the Gaza Strip, cash aid was collected at the Gazi Husrev Bey Mosque in the capital Sarajevo and at the historical Bajrakli Mosque in the Serbian capital Belgrade.

"Every innocent life is sacred and every violence deserves condemnation," said Bosnia's Grand Mufti Husein Kavazovic.

Also, funeral prayers were performed in absentia for the Palestinians who lost their lives in Israel's attacks.

A large number of people attend the Friday prayers and the funeral prayers in absentia.

The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis, with no electricity, while water, food, fuel, and medical supplies are running out.

At least 4,137 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while the figure stands at more than 1,400 people in Israel.