Israel Destroyed 206 priceless archaeological, heritage sites in Gaza: Palestinian official

A Palestinian official has reported that the Israeli army has destroyed and vandalized 206 archaeological and heritage sites in Gaza amid ongoing conflict, Anadolu Agency reported yesterday.

Ismail Thawabteh, head of Gaza’s Government Media Office, stated that these acts reflect a systematic strategy to erase Palestinian identity. Key sites affected include the Great Omari Mosque, the Byzantine Church in Jabalia, and the Shrine of Al-Khadir, among others.

The destruction spans various historical periods, with some sites dating back to the Phoenician and Roman eras, while others are more recent. Thawabteh emphasized that these actions aim to undermine Palestinian culture and history, consolidating the occupation and altering the demographic landscape.

Since the onset of the conflict in October 2023, over 44,400 Palestinians have reportedly been killed, with a significant number being women and children. The situation has drawn widespread international condemnation, particularly regarding tactics perceived as genocidal. In response, the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli officials, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the actions in Gaza.