Cultural Genocide: Israel Destroys, Loots National Museum of Gaza

In addition to religious structures, cultural institutions have also faced devastation. The National Museum of Gaza, which housed over 3,000 rare artifacts, has been looted and destroyed. These artifacts represented centuries of Palestinian history and culture, and their loss is irreplaceable.

The war has resulted in the complete destruction of over 800 mosques, with many historical and culturally significant buildings lost forever. Among them is the Great Omari Mosque, which dated back 1,400 years and was a symbol of the region’s Islamic heritage. Other notable casualties include the partially destroyed Al-Sayyid Hashim Mosque and the Al-Zafaar Damri Mosque, which held historical significance dating back to the Mamluk period.

Since the onset of hostilities on October 7, 2023, Israel has systematically targeted 206 out of 325 significant archaeological, religious, and historical sites throughout the Gaza Strip.

Historical monuments have not been spared in this campaign of destruction. The Al-Basha Palace, a site of significant historical value, has been targeted multiple times, leading to the erasure of centuries of history. Similarly, the Al-Saqa House, which stood for 400 years, is now destroyed. The Ancient Port of Gaza, a vital connection to the region’s maritime history, has also suffered extensive bombardment.

CrossFireArabia

CrossFireArabia

Dr. Marwan Asmar holds a PhD from Leeds University and is a freelance writer specializing on the Middle East. He has worked as a journalist since the early 1990s in Jordan and the Gulf countries, and been widely published, including at Albawaba, Gulf News, Al Ghad, World Press Review and others.

Related Posts

Soap-making in Yafa – Early 1920s

Palestinian Heritage:

This rare historical photograph documents the traditional olive oil soap-making process in the Palestinian city of Yafa (Jaffa), specifically in the early 1920s (circa 1921-1923). It is from the collection of the Dutch photographer Frank Schulten

Continue reading
Sliman Mansour: ‘Artist of The Intifada’

Said Elatab writes:

This is my painting of Sliman Mansour who is one of the most important contemporary christian Palestinian artists. It is a tribute to his extraordinary life and artistic legacy.

Mansour was widely regarded as an “artist of the Intifada.” His work captured the Palestinian concept of Sumud — steadfastness and resilience — and became a powerful expression of Palestinian identity, memory, land, and resistance

Mansour was also an important figure in the Liberation Art Movement, contributing not only as a painter but also as a cultural practitioner who helped preserve and strengthen Palestinian cultural identity.

His famous painting “Camel of Hardship” became one of the best-known images of Palestinian art, symbolizing the endurance and suffering of the Palestinian people.

Sliman Mansour’s death at the age of 79 marks the loss of a pioneering Palestinian artist. His paintings will continue to speak about a people, a homeland, and a culture that refuse to disappear.

The Palestinian Christian is in the forefront of the Palestinian resistance. The Palestinian Christian had the blood of Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ is the first Palestinian who fought and crucified for Palestine. This painting is my tribute to Sliman Mansour and to his enduring legacy in Palestinian art.

Continue reading

You Missed

900 Fires Caused by Israeli Settlers in The West Bank

  • By Heba
  • August 28, 2026
  • 13 views
900 Fires Caused by Israeli Settlers in The West Bank

Gazans Protest The Bombing of Their Water Plant

Gazans Protest The Bombing of Their Water Plant

Soap-making in Yafa – Early 1920s

Soap-making in Yafa – Early 1920s

Sliman Mansour: ‘Artist of The Intifada’

  • By marwan
  • August 28, 2026
  • 7 views
Sliman Mansour: ‘Artist of The Intifada’

Palestinian Hassan Arar Freed After 22 Years in Jail

  • By marwan
  • August 28, 2026
  • 15 views
Palestinian Hassan Arar Freed After 22 Years in Jail

‘My Curious Camera’

‘My Curious Camera’