CrossFireArabia
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.
