NGO: Israeli aggression in Gaza decimated over 100 heritage sites
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Palestine has been ruled by several dynasties and empires over the centuries, making its history extremely rich and significant.
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Ibn Uthman Mosque, dates back to the 15th century and is thought to be the burial site for the Islamic prophet Muhammad’s great-grandfather, after an Israeli airstrike (Heritage for Peace)
According to reports by an NGO, the bombing of the Gaza Strip has not only targeted thousands of Palestinians but also demolished a number of historical architecture and heritage sites.
According to Art News, Palestine has been ruled by several dynasties and empires over the centuries, making its history extremely rich and significant.
The publication refers to Palestine as a cultural palimpsest, underlining that most of which has yet to be unearthed. According to a preliminary estimate by a Spanish NGO dedicated to cultural heritage preservation, 104 sites have been damaged or entirely destroyed by Israeli forces.
The data given by Heritage for Peace on November 7th includes historic religious sites, residences, museums, and archeological sites.
According to Isber Sabrine, a Syrian archaeologist and the head of the NGO, "The report shows the importance of Gaza's heritage." She notes that since shelling has destroyed both what is below and above ground, that heritage may never be understood.
Several historic mosques have been damaged as a result of the continuous air attacks.
The Omari Mosque, a building of seventh-century roots that was entirely crushed in the Jabalia refugee camp immediately after the bombing of Saint Porphyrius church, is thought to be the third oldest church in the world.
Losing a page from our history
The NGO also reported damage to the 15th-century Ibn Uthman Mosque and the Sayed Hashem Mosque, where the Islamic prophet Muhammad's great-grandfather is supposed to be buried.
Jehad Yasin, the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism’s director of museums and excavations, told The Art Newspaper that given the severity of strikes, staff could not even carry out assessments of sites.
Yasin confirmed that the 2,000-year-old Roman cemetery uncovered last year in northern Gaza, which included dozens of ancient burials and two rare lead sarcophagi, was "almost completely destroyed" expressing that "If we lose this material, I think we lose a page from our history."
Additionally, the Rafah Museum in southern Gaza posted two videos on its Facebook page showing the structure partially crumbled. According to Yasin, Palestinian officials have received reports of serious damage to the Al Qarara Cultural Museum and the Deir Al Balah Museum.
Mohammad Abulehia, who established the Al Qarara Museum in 2016, expressed that the museum was established to "protect and preserve Gaza’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage."
He recalled collecting the assets as they remain threatened by the occupation's airstrikes, noting that "There is no place safe in Gaza.”
According to Yasin, the shelling has also had a severe influence on Anthedon Harbour, Gaza's first known seaport, which was inhabited from 800BC until AD1100. It is one of three Gazan sites on Unesco's Tentative List of World Heritage Sites.
Unesco expressed concern regarding the impact of the war on Gaza on cultural heritage and called on all to "respect international law."
'Israel' wipes out civilian infrastructure
The occupation also destroyed 100 governmental headquarters and 266 schools and put 66 other schools out of service.
"Israel's" genocide in Gaza has led to the destruction and damage of more than 60% of housing units in the Gaza Strip. In detail, 230,000 housing units were partially destroyed, while 44,000 were completely destroyed.
The Israeli occupation has also heavily targeted medical institutions and journalists, killing 205 medical workers, 22 civil defense workers, and 62 journalists. In addition, 26 hospitals and 56 medical centers have been put out of service due to the Israeli siege and the occupation's deliberate bombing of medical institutions.
