Nearly 200 historical sites in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza have been destroyed or damaged in Israeli air raids over the past 100 days. Among the casualties are an ancient harbor dating back to 800 BC, a mosque housing rare manuscripts, and one of the world’s oldest Christian monasteries. The destruction of cultural heritage is one of the war crimes alleged against Israel in a lawsuit heard at the International Court of Justice by South Africa. The lawsuit claims that Israel has damaged and destroyed numerous Palestinian learning and cultural centers, including libraries, religious sites, and places of historical importance.
Gaza, inhabited for centuries, has been home to various civilizations and empires, leaving behind relics of cultural heritage. The strategic location of Gaza on the trade routes between Eurasia and Africa made it a regional hub for commerce and culture. However, since the start of Israel’s war on Gaza in October, numerous heritage sites have been targeted and destroyed, in violation of the 1954 Hague Convention, which aims to protect landmarks during times of conflict.
The destruction of cultural heritage in Gaza is seen as part of a larger pattern of cultural genocide, erasing tangible and intangible aspects of Palestinian identity. Libraries, museums, churches, and mosques have been damaged or destroyed, depriving the Palestinian people of their connection to their land and history. The loss of these sites not only diminishes Palestinian claims to statehood but also denies them their fundamental right to access and preserve their own heritage.
The destruction has affected significant sites such as the Rafah Museum, which housed a collection of ancient coins and Palestinian heritage artifacts, and the Qasr Al-Basha, a 13th-century palace turned museum showcasing Gaza’s history. The Great Omari Mosque, Gaza’s first mosque built 1,400 years ago, was also destroyed, leaving only its bent and broken minaret standing. Other sites, including the Roman Necropolis, the Monastery of Saint Hilarion, and the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Porphyrius, have also suffered extensive damage.
The international community, including UNESCO, has called for the protection of cultural heritage in Gaza. The 1954 Hague Convention prohibits the targeting or use of cultural property for military purposes. However, the continued destruction of heritage sites in Gaza raises concerns about the disregard for international law and the impact on Palestinian identity and cultural preservation.
The fate of many other historic sites in Gaza remains unknown due to the dangerous situation on the ground. Local photographers and archaeologists have been unable to assess the damage, leaving the condition of sites such as the Khan Younis caravanserai and the Sufi mosque of Ahmadiyyah Zawiya uncertain.
Despite the destruction, there is hope for the future. Palestinians remain determined to rebuild and preserve their heritage, even in the face of ongoing attacks. While the current situation in Gaza is dire, efforts to raise awareness and protect cultural heritage must continue to ensure the preservation of Palestinian identity and history.
