CBNNews.com - GAZA STRIP - New terrorist training videos show Palestinian gunmen conducting drills in synagogues left standing after the Israeli government's 2005 pullout from the Gush Katif Settlement Bloc in the Gaza Strip.

During the pullout, Israeli officials left many public structures intact, such as schools and libraries, in some of the evacuated communities in Gush Katif and northern Samaria.

But synagogues, which are considered holy, were more problematic. There was a great deal of debate, among religious and secular alike, over whether to demolish the synagogues, which are considered holy. In the end, some were left standing.

Atzmona's former synagogue, easily identifiable in the videos, now serves as an official training center for terror groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

Among other things, the training videos teach Palestinians how to kidnap soldiers and civilians and how to fight effectively in urban centers. The trainees use live weaponry, including grenades and antitank missiles. The footage shows the extensive damage to the structures.

Because of their symbolism, the synagogues are especially meaningful for the jihadists, who are inspired by training in former Jewish houses of worship.

Source: YNet news