Gaza City: As Israeli military operations intensified in Gaza City, a critical call reached Fadel al-Otol, Gaza’s leading archaeologist, alerting him to an imminent attack on a tower housing thousands of ancient artifacts. The threat to Gaza’s cultural heritage intensified fears for Fadel, who now resides in Switzerland, and underscored the precarious future of the region’s historical treasures.
According to BBC, the situation prompted international experts to advocate for a delay, allowing Fadel and a team of Palestinian volunteers to orchestrate a remarkable rescue mission. They successfully evacuated six truckloads of invaluable artifacts, including fragile ceramics, mosaics, and centuries-old skeletons, to a safer location within the city. Despite these efforts, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have announced their advance towards central Gaza City, signaling a full-scale occupation.
Fadel expressed his sorrow and disbelief over the potential loss of Gaza’s rich archaeological sites, some of which date back over 5,000 years. The region, once a bustling port along a major Mediterranean trade route, has witnessed various civilizations, including the Canaanites, Egyptians, and Romans. This diverse cultural legacy is integral to Palestinian identity.
Fadel’s journey from a refugee camp in Gaza to a protector of its historical legacy highlights his dedication. His early fascination with coastal finds led him to a career centered around the ancient port of Anthedon. In recent years, significant discoveries were made at sites like the Church of Al-Bureij and Gaza’s largest Roman cemetery, Ard al-Moharbeen.
The conflict, however, has wrought devastation. Following a Hamas-led attack on Israel, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages, Israel’s military response has included severe bombardment and a ground invasion. The Hamas-run health ministry reports over 65,000 Palestinian casualties. UNESCO has verified damage to 110 sites of cultural importance, including the iconic Great Omari Mosque and the Qasr al-Basha museum.
The ongoing conflict has drawn international scrutiny. Cases of alleged war crimes by both Hamas and Israel are under investigation by top international courts, while South Africa has accused Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice. The 1954 Hague Convention, which both Palestinians and Israelis have signed, mandates the protection of cultural landmarks during war, yet the destruction of Gaza’s heritage continues.
Efforts to preserve Gaza’s history persist despite the challenges. Organizations like Première Urgence Internationale, with support from the British Council and the French development agency AFD, have been training young Gazans in archaeological preservation through the Intiqal program. Jehad Abu Hassan, a key figure in these initiatives, emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage in rebuilding Gaza post-conflict.
For Fadel al-Otol and others committed to safeguarding Gaza’s past, the war’s impact is deeply personal. Many artifacts, once safe in museums and collections, have been lost or damaged. The IDF asserts that military necessity guides their operations, but the loss of Gaza’s historical artifacts represents a profound cultural tragedy.
As Fadel continues his work in Geneva, cataloging items from Gaza, he remains grateful that some pieces have been preserved outside the conflict zone. The future of Gaza’s archaeological heritage, however, remains uncertain amid ongoing hostilities.