Israeli occupation targets Gaza’s history, destroys ancient mosques, churches

The continuous bombardment by the Israeli occupation forces has resulted in the fatalities of numerous Palestinian intellectuals and artists, along with extensive damage to cultural, archaeological, and historical centers in the Strip.

According to a report from the Palestinian Ministry of Culture, released on Wednesday, the Palestinian cultural scene has suffered significant losses across various fields, with 28 creative individuals killed including four children. Additionally, nine publishing houses and libraries were destroyed, along with a considerable number of cultural centers, 21 of which have been identified, Quds Press reported.

Large portions of the Old City of Gaza City have been devastated, including 20 historical buildings comprising mosques, churches, museums, and archaeological sites. Furthermore, three studios, as well as media and artistic production companies, have been both destroyed and damaged.

The report documented the destruction and attacks on cultural property within the cultural sector, stating, “after two months of war on the Gaza Strip, and its continued assaults on all the capabilities of our people.”

A recent survey details the damage done so far to more than 100 landmarks in Gaza since the start of the Israeli aggression on the strip.

The casualties include the Great Omari Mosque, one of the most important and ancient mosques in historical Palestine; the Church of Saint Porphyrius, thought to be the third oldest church in the entire world; a 2,000-year-old Roman cemetery in northern Gaza excavated only last year; and the Rafah Museum, a space in southern Gaza which was dedicated to teaching about the territory’s long and multi-layered heritage — until it was hammered by airstrikes.

The report issued yesterday by the Palestinian Ministry of Culture on the cultural losses suffered since October 7 said:

28 Creative Professionals (artists, poets, writers, musicians, calligraphers, and dancers) killed by Israeli bombing.

9 Publishing Houses and Libraries damaged or destroyed by Israeli bombing (including the Samir Mansour Library, which had previously been targeted by Israeli forces in 2021).

21 Cultural Centers damaged or destroyed by Israeli bombing.

20 Historical Sites (churches, mosques, museums, and archaeological sites) damaged or destroyed by Israeli bombing (including the Rafah Museum, which housed hundreds of artifacts related to ancient Palestinian heritage; the Church of Saint Porphyrius, the third oldest church in the world; the Sayyid Hashim Mosque, the burial place of the grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad; the Grand Omari Mosque in the heart of Gaza City’s Old Town, the oldest and largest mosque in Gaza; and the port of Anthedon, which was listed as a World Heritage and Islamic Heritage Site).

B.Q.