Israeli airstrikes have put Gaza’s ancient monuments and historical items at risk. Under the leadership of archaeologist Fadel al-Otol, volunteers managed to move several truckloads of artefacts to a safe place. However, the items left in the al-Kawthar building were completely destroyed in the explosion.
The history of Gaza has been enriched over thousands of years by traces of different civilizations. Ancient mosques and cemeteries reflect the cultural heritage of the people. But during the war, most of these monuments were damaged or completely lost.
According to Unesco, more than one hundred historical sites in Gaza have been damaged. Israeli forces say the strikes targeted “areas where Hamas facilities were located.” As a result, debates over the destruction of cultural heritage continue.
Hundreds of Gaza-related items have been preserved in foreign museums. Experts consider these collections important for future restoration efforts. Local residents, meanwhile, hope to rebuild their history once the war is over.
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