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.

You might also like
Latest news
Jordan's King stresses need to support Syria's efforts to maintain its security and stability Trump's new tariffs affect Syria by 41% Fact-Finding Committee on Syrian Coast events: Detainees' testimonies should be documented Nine people martyred, several others wounded due to the Israeli bombardment of Daraa Foreign Ministry strongly condemns the latest wave of Israeli attacks on Syria A ship, carrying 147 heavy vehicles, arrives at Lattakia port to support Syria's transport sector Israeli occupation fires artillery shells on Tal al-Jumu' area in Daraa, makes incursion into Sad al... Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam congratulates Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa on Eid Al-Fitr More than 14 Israeli airstrikes target Hama military airport and the Scientific Research Center in D... Anticipated meeting between Presidents al-Sharaa and Trump in Saudi Arabia next month Governor of Hama visits families in displacement camps in Syria's northern region on the occasion of... Syrian faces South Sudan in the Arab Cup qualifiers German Foreign Ministry welcomes the formation of the new Syrian government  Ukraine Welcomes the Formation of the New Syrian Government Israeli occupation kills and injures dozens of Palestinians in Gaza during the past 24 hours Charities in Homs arry out Humanitarian Initiatives for Orphaned Children and Elderly Israeli Occupation detains a citizen from Koya village in Daraa Al-Shibani: Growing international support for new Syrian government will help lift sanctions, suppor... Dujarric: UN Special Envoy for Syria encourages Syrian authorities' efforts towards credible, inclus... Heads of Christian communities in Aleppo congratulate the Governor on Eid al-Fitr