Report on the Impact of the Recent War in 2023 on the
Cultural Heritage in Gaza Strip - Palestine

November 7, 2023

Contributor
Dr. Ahmed Al-BarshANSCH | LinkedIn
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Acknowledgment
After the ongoing war in the Gaza lasting for nearly a month, with the current casualty countexceeding 10,000 Palestinians, at least a third of whom are children, and another million displaced
within the first two weeks, a "comprehensive siege" has been imposed on Gaza. Food, water,fuel, and aid have been cut off. The human loss in this war is significant, and the suffering isimmense, affecting not only the people but also the cultural heritage and identity of the Palestinian
people in Gaza.
This preliminary report has been prepared amidst the ongoing conflict, responding to the requests
and desires of numerous concerned individuals, researchers, and local residents to shed light on
the status of cultural heritage. It's important to note that Heritage for Peace organization is a nonprofit entity dedicated to safeguarding and protecting cultural heritage worldwide, maintaining
neutrality, and opposing any harm or violence to cultural heritage sites anywhere in the world.
We express our heartfelt gratitude to the activists on the ground who have played a major andprominent role in compiling this report for the Gaza Strip in Palestine. We hope they and theirfamilies are safe, as we have lost contact with them for the past 7 days. We wish a speedy
recovery to all the wounded and security and stability to all civilians.
The humanitarian consequences and the immense tragedy being experienced by the people of
Gaza are enormous. We have prepared this report to shed light on another aspect of suffering:
the loss of heritage associated with this land. Given our role and responsibility as heritage
preservation specialists, especially in times of crisis, it is our duty and commitment to assist andsupport local community activists. We must highlight the historical and cultural sites that holdcultural value for the local residents and inhabitants of this geographical zone – Gaza.

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Heritage for Peace

We are an international group of individuals working in the field of heritage, firmly believing that
cultural heritage serves as common ground for dialogue and a powerful tool for promoting peace.
Our collective mission is to provide steadfast support for heritage workers, regardless of theirnationality or religious affiliation, as they dedicate themselves to preserving cultural heritage forthe flourishing of future generations.
Our organization consistently maintains a neutral stance, with our programs focused on
empowering heritage specialists to confront unique challenges, such as safeguarding artifacts,
sites, museums, and libraries during times of armed conflict. Additionally, we invite people fromall around the world, regardless of their faith or ethnicity, to engage in dialogue and collaborate topreserve their shared heritage. We emphasize the importance of working together to achievethese crucial objectives.
For more information, please visit our website: Heritage for Peace

ANSCH - Arab Network of Civil Society Organizations for Cultural Heritage Protection
The Arab Network of Civil Society Organizations for Cultural Heritage Protection (ANSCH)
represents a collaborative effort between the non-governmental organization Heritage for Peace(H4P) and numerous civil society organizations (CSOs) across various Arab countries. ANSCH
was founded as a dedicated heritage initiative with a mission centered around partnering withgovernment agencies, civil society organizations, and non-profit organizations to identify,

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manage, plan, and preserve cultural heritage resources, including archaeological sites, historicallandmarks, museums, and other priceless cultural assets. Currently, ANSCH focuses its efforts
on regions facing significant heritage challenges, including conflict zones and disaster-stricken
areas.
For more information, please visit their website: ANSCHANSCH | LinkedIn
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Introduction
Cultural and historical heritage stands as a significant component of the cultural identity of thePalestinian people. The city of Gaza is rich with numerous archaeological sites and buildings that
hold cultural, religious, and historical significance, reflecting the history and civilization of thePalestinian people and embodying the culture, customs, and traditions of the various populations
that have inhabited this region over time. These sites vary, including mosques, churches, andbaths. Unfortunately, the recent war has directly and indirectly affected many of thesearchaeological sites, resulting in the destruction of a significant portion of the cultural heritage in
the Gaza Strip.
Recently, under these circumstances, the French archaeologist, Professor Humbert, who has
worked in Palestine for decades, emphasized to MailOnline the irreparable loss of the region's
cultural heritage. He stated, "Gaza's society is sensitive to its heritage, but the crushing that has
been inflicted by the occupying forces over the past fifty years means that vital priorities likefeeding, caring for, and educating the population have pushed cultural heritage aside as a luxury
for wealthy countries."
As Professor Humbert points out, the population growth in the densely populated region often
leads to the construction of homes and municipal buildings on top of archaeological sites.
This report will provide a detailed overview of the importance of Gaza's heritage, including an
explanation of its most important heritage landmarks, and it will highlight the key places affectedduring a month of war. Nearly 14 sites have been identified as impacted during this month.

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We hope that through this report, we can draw the attention of the international community to thefact that the Palestinian people in Gaza are also suffering the loss of their heritage, history, andcultural identity alongside their significant humanitarian suffering resulting from this war.

Figure 1: This map displays the locations of nine archaeological and cultural sites in Gaza, the majority ofwhich are located in or near the evacuation zone, where the conflict is likely at its most intense. (Source:
by WILLIAM HUNTER 2023) Available online at this link: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article12649597/The-archaeological-sites-risk-wiped-Israeli-Palestinian-conflict-oldest-Christian-Church-Gazaunprecedented-Roman-necropolis-containing-130-tombs.html

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Figure 2: This map illustrates the findings of Professor Humbert, demonstrating how historical sites likethis Roman settlement are often overlaid with modern housing. (Source: by WILLIAM HUNTER 2023)
Available online at:: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-12649597/The-archaeological-sitesrisk-wiped-Israeli-Palestinian-conflict-oldest-Christian-Church-Gaza-unprecedented-Roman-necropoliscontaining-130-tombs.html

First: The Significance of Cultural Heritage in Gaza Strip
Brief about Gaza
The relatively small region of the Gaza Strip, located within the State of Palestine, is characterized by adiverse array of historical heritage and the fertility of its soil. It is renowned for agriculture, particularly citrus
farming, and boasts a coastal view along the Mediterranean Sea, which has also made it known for fishingand trade. Its strategic geographic location positions it as a gateway connecting Asia and Africa.

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Historical Background:
Gaza City holds immense strategic importance due to its geographic location between two contrastingregions. To the south is the arid coastal plain of Palestine, characterized by sandy dunes and poor
vegetation, while to the north lies a temperate region with fertile clay soil, abundant rainfall, and richvegetation. Gaza has been historically referred to as a crucial gateway between Asia and Africa. According
to the "Tell el-Amarna Letters" dating from 1402-1347 BCE, it was named "Gazatu" and "Gazata,"
considered one of the three major regions in Canaan. It was called "Iyy Gazat" (This Gaza) as an importantmilitary and commercial center on the route of "Horos."
The prestigious status of Gaza is further corroborated by the numerous Pharaonic artifacts found in the cityand its vicinity. Notable discoveries include figurines, jewelry, gold necklaces, ivory and marble statues,
copper and marble vessels, and tools.1
As the Pharaonic state began to decline by the end of the 12th century BCE, the Palestinian people arrived
in South Palestine around 1200 BCE. Gaza was one of their key cities, and they eventually merged with its
indigenous Arab Canaanite population. Gaza, meaning "strength," was named as such by the Assyrians intheir own language, but with variations in pronunciation such as "AZUTU," "Ha-za-ti," and "Ha-za-ta-a." Thecity was subdued by the Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser III in 734 BCE, who fortified it. "Hanno," its governor,
reportedly fled to Egypt.
In 603 BCE, Gaza fell under the control of the Babylonian ruler Nebuchadnezzar. In 529 BCE, it resisted
strongly under the leadership of "Cambyz" and remained a fortified city. During this period of Persian rule,
it was visited by the historian "Herodotus," who likened its beauty to the city of "Sardis," the capital of the
Lydians. The name "Gaza" became associated with the word "treasure" in the Persian language because,1

It is believed that the city of Gaza originally originated in the area of Tel el-Ajjul and later moved to its current
location.

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as legend has it, Cambyz, also known as Gaza, had buried a treasure there. The city played a significant
role in global trade.
In 332 BCE, it was besieged by Alexander the Great for two months, earning the title "City of Perfumes."2vx
Figure (4)with Bones

Coffin Figure (3) Golden Figure(2) Figure
Pharaonic Necklace Pharaonic Coffin
CoffinFigure (7) Burnt Clay Statues

(1)

Clay

Figure (6) Pharaonic Figure (5) Alabaster Tools
Queen Statue

Figure (10) Pottery Tools Figure (9) Greek currency with Figure (8) Tools forfrom the Nabatean Period - the head of Alexander - Port of Storing
Perfumes,
Gaza
AnthedonIncense, and Oils.
Source: Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
2

Carol A. M. Gulker, The City of Gaza in the Roman& Byzantian Periods, Bar International, Series, 1987.

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The spread of Christianity in Gaza City during the 5th century AD was attributed to a religious
figure named "Perfereus." He destroyed the temple of "Marne" and built a church on its site, withsome historians asserting that it currently stands on the location of the Al-Omari Mosque. As aresult, monasteries and churches proliferated in various parts of Gaza and its surrounding areas,
including Gaza's coastal region, Jabalia, Deir al-Balah, Abasan, and Beit Lahia. Numerous coinsminted in Gaza and its port, Anthedon, depicted images of these churches. This fact is also
evident in a map discovered in Ma'daba in 1884, highlighting several churches established during
the era of Emperor Justinian in the mid-3rd century AD.
Until that time, Gaza City served as a major stop for Arab traders during their seasonal trading
journeys, including both winter and summer trips. It was on one such journey during the mid-6th
century AD that the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) grandfather, Hashim ibn Abd
Manaf, passed away.
In February 634 CE, Gaza City was conquered by the Muslim Arab leader Amr ibn al-As, returning
it to the embrace of the Arabs and Muslims. They established mosques, and Gaza regained its
significant economic status. During the Umayyad and Abbasid periods, Gaza became a centerfor coin minting.3
Gaza reached its peak during the Mamluk era, briefly serving as the Palestinian capital for several
centuries when Jerusalem operated as a regional city dependent on Damascus and itself. Thishistorical richness is substantiated by various Islamic, Roman, and Byzantine coins found in theregion.

3(Mubeid, Salim. "Arab Palestinian Coins and Their Foreign Civilian Counterparts." General Authority for Books,
Cairo, 1990.)

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In 1516, the Ottoman Turks took control of Gaza City, where they established mosques, religious
schools (zawiyas), and markets, as well as constructed palaces during the early years of theirrule. Many of these historical structures still exist today. In the period between 1916 and 1917,
intense battles took place on the outskirts of southern and eastern Gaza City between Allied
forces led by the British and the defending Ottoman troops.
From 1948 to 1950, Gaza City received hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees who wereforced to leave their homes as a result of the Nakba (catastrophe). Since that period, Gaza hasendured widespread destruction, population displacement, numerous conflicts, sieges, andviolence between the Palestinian and Israeli sides. The most recent conflict began in early
October 2023, resulting in one of the fiercest and deadliest wars in the city's history, with civilians
and historical properties and heritage in Gaza at risk of destruction and violence.

Second: The situation of Cultural Heritage in the Gaza Strip before the 2023 War
Architectural heritage represents the material aspect of cultural heritage and, at the same time,reflects the social, economic, and political conditions experienced by people in different historicalperiods. It is also a direct response to the experiences of previous civilizations. A field survey was
conducted to inventory and collect information related to all components of architectural heritage
in the Gaza, gaining insights into the existing conditions and challenges.
One of the most significant factors affecting the state of cultural heritage is the expansion of
settlements, which often leads to the destruction of many cultural and heritage buildings and thedisappearance of the Arab cultural heritage in the region. This happens in the absence of a clear
architectural preservation vision and plan, the non-application of international laws and

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conventions, and the lack of coordination between official and unofficial institutions to preserve
the identities and traditions of the people amidst this cultural humanitarian crisis.

1- Classification of Architectural Heritage in the Gaza
According to the available sources, the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities classified
the architectural heritage in the Gaza Strip based on the function and purpose of the building ormonument. Figures and tables below illustrate the classification of architectural heritage in theregion. According to field surveys conducted by researchers during the study's preparation period,
the total number of architectural heritage sites reached 325, distributed across the governoratesof the Gaza Strip (see Tables 1 and 2). It's important to note that this number continuously
changes due to various factors.
Based on field surveys, the total architectural heritage in Gaza Governorate amounts to 195 sites,
representing 60% of the overall architectural heritage in the Gaza Strip. In Khan Younis
Governorate, there are 42 sites, making up 13% of the total architectural heritage, while
researchers documented 39 sites in the Northern Governorate (12%). The Central Governorate
contains 32 sites (9.8%), and Rafah Governorate has 17 sites (5%).
Table 1 details the numbers of architectural heritage classified based on the adopted criteria.
Historic houses account for over half of this heritage with 186 houses, making up 57.2%. They
are followed by hills and archaeological sites (39 hills, 12%), mosques and prayer places (21mosques, 6.46%), shrines and zawiyas (13 shrines, 8%), buildings of value (22 buildings, 6.76%),
cemeteries (9 cemeteries, 2.76%), monasteries and churches (5 churches, 1.5%), palaces (5palaces, 1.5%), markets (4 markets, 1.23%), khans and asbat (2 each, 0.61%), and fountains (1,ANSCH | LinkedIn
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0.3%). There is only one hammam, accounting for 0.3% of the total architectural heritage in the
Gaza Strip.
Table (1) Classification of Architectural Heritage in the Gaza Strip Distributed AcrossGovernorates.

No.

Classification

North Gaza Central Khan Younis Rafah Total Percentage (%)

1

Mosques and Masjids

5

14

1

1

-

21

6.46

2

Monasteries and Churches 2

2

1

-

-

5

1.5

3

Palaces

1

3

-

1

-

5

1.5

4

Schools

-

1

-

1

-

2

0.61

5

Markets

-

3

-

1

-

4

1.23

6

Inns

-

1

-

1

-

2

0.61

7

Fountains

-

1

-

-

-

1

0.30

8

Archaeological Hills

6

7

8

10

8

39

12

9

Historic Houses

15

135

15

16

5

186

57.2

10

Cemeteries

3

4

2

-

-

9

2.76

11

Corners

-

2

1

1

-

4

1.23

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No.

Classification

North Gaza Central Khan Younis Rafah Total Percentage (%)

12

Shrines

4

9

2

5

2

22

6.76

13

Soap Houses

-

2

-

-

-

2

0.61

14

Baths

-

1

-

-

-

1

0.30

15

Valuable Buildings

3

10

2

5

2

22

6.76

39

195

32

42

17

325

100%

Total

The
CentralNorthern
Gover- Khan
Gaza Gaza norate Youni Rafahs

Figure 3: This graph illustrates the numbers of architectural heritage in the Gaza governorates

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Heritage Classification

Figure 4: A graphical representation illustrating the numbers of architectural heritage in the governorates
of Gaza according to the adopted classification.

2. Important Heritage Sites in the Gaza:
Gaza Strip is a home to significant and valuable number of historical and heritage sites that dateback to different historical periods. These buildings are primarily located in the heart of the city(the old town), with additional buildings and sites scattered throughout other cities in the Gaza.
Here, we will highlight the most important heritage sites and buildings in the Gaza, categorized
by the respective governorates and according to the classification adopted by the Ministry of
Tourism and Antiquities. Additionally, the era to which each site belongs will be mentioned. Given
the multitude of important landmarks, one or two examples from the mentioned categories will be
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listed in the aforementioned tables and figures to represent an important classification. For
example, the Al-Omari Mosque and the Sayyid Hashim Mosque will be mentioned in the categoryof mosques, and Table (2) illustrates the most important heritage sites and valuable landmarks in
Gaza.

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Table (2) lists the most important archaeological and heritage landmarks in the Gaza
Strip.
Category
MosquesandMasjids

Landmark/
Monument
The Great
Omari
MosqueBrief
The Great Omari
Mosque is one of themost important andlargest historicalmosques in Palestine. It
is located in the heart ofthe old town in the Daraj
neighborhood of Gaza
City. The mosque
covers an area of 4100
square meters andfeatures basilica-stylearchitecture dating backto the 12th century AD.
It is known for its sturdy
construction, beautiful
marble columns,
inscriptions, anddecorations that dateback to the Mamluk andOttoman eras.
Historical accounts
suggest that themosque wasconstructed in stages
and had various uses
throughout its history. It
was initially a temple,
then converted into achurch, and latertransformed into a
mosque after theIslamic conquest. To thenorth of the mosque,there is a courtyard with
an approximate area of1900 square meters.
Some of the columns
used in the construction
were brought from theremnants of demolishedchurches.

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PicturesSayedHashemMosqueThe Sayed Hashem
Mosque is one of theimportant historicalmosques in Gaza City.
It is located in the Daraj
neighborhood, covering
an area ofapproximately 2400
square meters. It is oneof the most beautiful
and ancient mosques inGaza. The mosque
includes a shrine
beneath its dome,
believed to be the tombof Sayed Hashem bin
Abd Manaf, the greatgrandfather of theProphet Muhammad,
peace be upon him.
The current mosque
was constructed during
the Ottoman era in the
Mamluk architectural
style. The horizontal
section (plan) of themosque reveals an
open, square courtyardin the middle,
surrounded by threeexterior corridors forprayers. The main
prayer hall of themosque is almost
square and is coveredby intersecting vaults. It
contains a mihrab(prayer niche) oriented
towards the qibla(Mecca's direction) anda minbar (pulpit) thatwas renovated in theyear 1850 under thesponsorship of the
Ottoman Sultan Abdul
Majid.

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Monasteri
es andChurches

The
Church ofSaint
Pervierios(GreekOrthodox)

Palaces

Al-Basha
Palace(Dar AlSa'adah)

The Church of SaintPervierios is considered
one of the oldest
archaeological churches
in the old town of Gaza,
located in the Zaytoun
neighborhood, one of its
oldest neighborhoods. It
was built in the year 425
AD through the efforts
of Saint Pervierios, after
whom it was named.
The church now houses
his shrine.
The horizontal layout
reveals that the church
consists of a large hallwith a ceiling coveredby intersecting vaults,
shaped like a cross,supported by stone
columns. The walls are
made of solid stone,
approximately 80 cm
thick.
character of Islamicarchitecture. It is locatedin the Darraj
neighborhood on theeastern side of the oldtown. This
neighborhood is one of
the richest in historicalbuildings, highlighting
Gaza's rich history
throughout the ages.
There is no foundation
plaque that dates theconstruction of thisbuilding, but it is said todate back to Mamluk
Islamic architecture, as
indicated by thepresence of a lion
emblem at the main
entrance of the palace.

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Schools

AlKamiliyah
SchoolThe horizontal section
shows two separatebuildings within thepalace, consisting ofrooms and a building
made of sandstone witha system of intersecting
vaults. The Ministry of
Tourism converted it
into a government
museum at the
beginning of 2010.
The Kamiliyah School is
the only remaining
historical school inGaza, located in theheart of the old town in
Gaza. It was named
after the Ayyubid kingAl-Kamil, whoconstructed it in theyear 653 AH (1237 AD).
Since its establishment,
the school was used tohouse the poor,
students, and traders
and remained active
until 1930.
According to thehorizontal plan, theschool covers an areaof 573 square metersand consists of two
floors. The school isdesigned with a central
courtyard surrounded byrooms, each of which
opens its doors andwindows to the innercourtyard. The main
facade is uniform andfeatures a pointed archmade of marble. The
school was constructedusing sandstone andfollows the prevalent

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SouksStables/Khan

The
Qaysariyah Market

building style during the
Ayyubid and Mamluk
periods.
The Qaysariyah Market,
located in the Daraj
neighborhood of the Old
City in Gaza, is one of
the most significant
historical markets thathas endured in Gaza. It
is commonly referred toas the "Gold Market"
due to the presence ofshops dealing in gold.
The market dates backto the Mamluk era(1260-1517 AD) and issituated adjacent to thesouthern wall of theGreat Umayyad
Mosque.
The market ischaracterized by its
narrow, vaulted street,approximately 60
meters long and with awidth not exceeding 3
meters. On either sideof the street, small
commercial shops are
lined up, each with awidth of around 2
meters. The easternentrance is marked by alarge pointed arch.
Khan al-Amir Younes islocated in the center ofKhan Yunis city in thesouthern Gaza Strip. It
was constructed byAmir Younes bin
Abdullah al-Nouruzi alDawadari in the year
789 AH (1387 CE). The
purpose of building it

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The
Asbala /Stables

Sabil AlRifaiyah

was to serve tradecaravans and tofunction as a postal
station, and it is often
referred to as thefortress. According to
the layout, the khan issquare-shaped witheach side measuring 80
meters. It consists of
two floors, with the firstfloor serving as storage
rooms, while the second
floor was designated foraccommodating guests,
including rooms forresidence, a mosque,and a reception area.
Sabil Al-Rifaiyah Road"is located in the Al-Daraj
neighborhood of Gaza
City, on Unity Street, a
few meters to the eastof the Pasha's Palace. It
was supplied with waterfrom the Birket Al-Burj,
which was next to it formonitoring and defense.
This road wasconstructed by Bahram
Pasha, the son ofMustafa Pasha, in theyear 976 AH (1568 CE).
The current name of theroad is "Sabil AlRifaiyah," named after
Rifat Pasha Al-Jarkasi,
the governor of Gaza,
who renovated andrestored it in the year
1278 AH (1861 CE). It
was built using solid
sandstone and has anarchitectural shapecharacterized by a

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BathsHammamAl-Samra

tapered arch on bothsides. Between thesearches, there are threeprominent water outlets
within a square frame.
These outlets were
equipped with faucets todraw water from theroad's basin to provide
water for people. It was
restored in 2014 under
the supervision of thecontributor to this report.
The archaeologicalHammam Al-Samra islocated in the AlZaytoun neighborhoodin the old town of Gaza
City. It is a splendid
example of bathhouses
and is actually the only
surviving model of its
kind. The hammam
features a roof with adome adorned withround openings
decorated with coloredglass, adding eleganceand beauty to the place.
Additionally, thebeautiful flooring of thehammam is paved withmarble rounds, squares,
and triangles of various
colors.
According to thehorizontal layout, youenter the hammam
through a broken
entrance, leading to an
external passagewaythat resembles awinding corridor with aknotted semi-barrel
vault. This passage

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Sables/As
bata

Al-Alami
and Kasableads to a hallcontaining anoctagonal-shaped
fountain for cold water,
surrounded by fouriwans. It was restored
for the third time during
the preparation of thestudy in March 2023
under the supervision of
one of the contributors
to this report, marking asignificant phase in thehistory of the hammam.
Al-Alami and Kasab areamong the mostimportant historical andarchaeologicallandmarks in the AlDaraj neighborhood.
They are characterized
by the Islamicarchitectural style fromthe Ottoman period.
They consist of acovered passagewaywith intersecting vaults
between two mainbuildings, under which
passes a narrow street
no more than threemeters wide. Above thecovered passageway,
there is a room coveredby a dome, with its
entrance from one of
the houses overlooking
the Asbata. The Asbata
is usually named after
the family that owns theupper room. These are
the only surviving
Asbata in the Gaza
Strip, and they were
restored by the College
of Engineering at the

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MaqamsandzawiyasThe
Ahmadia
ZawiyaIslamic University in2003 (1423 AH).
The Ahmadia Zawiya is
located in the Al-Daraj
neighborhood of the Old
Town in Gaza. It is
attributed to Sheikh
Ahmad al-Badawi, oneof the most famous Sufi
scholars who lived inGaza. He was born andlived in the city of Tanta
in Egypt until hereached the age of
forty-one. He thenmoved to Gaza, where
he passed away andwas buried in 1276 CE(674 AH). He was called"al-Badawi" because healways covered hishead and face.
Sheikh al-Badawi's
followers in Egypt andbeyond formed a Sufi
sect known as the"Ahmadiyya." It isbelieved that the marble
tomb built near thesouth wall is related to
Princess Qutlu Khatoon,a Mamluk princess whois thought to havefunded the constructionof the Ahmadia Zawiya.
The inscription on thetomb mentions thename of the deceased
and the date of her
passing.
The zawiya is
distinguished by its
polygonal room with six
pointed arches, and it

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features a beautiful andspacious mihrab (prayerniche). The towering
dome is supported by acylindrical base.

Cemeteries

Deir alBalah
CemeteryPlease let me know if
you need further
information or have any
specific questions.
Deir al-Balah Cemetery"
is considered one of themost important historicaland archaeologicalcemeteries in Gaza,
reflecting the history of
the Palestinian people
over several ages.
Numerousarchaeologicalexcavations wereconducted on the coastof Deir al-Balah
between 1972 and1982, revealing themost significant andcrucial cemetery datingback to the Late Bronze
Age (1550-1200 BCE).
This cemetery is
attributed to the socalled "Kings of thePalestinians" andconsists of a notablecollection of humanshaped pottery coffins.
These coffins form thelargest collection everdiscovered in Palestineand resemble Egyptian
Pharaonic coffins. They
were found in tombs
carved from red clay or
carcar stone, facing thesea, and were laterstolen by Moshe Dayan.

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Historic
HousesKhudariHouse

Archaeolo
gical TellThe
archaeolo
gical siteof TelRafah

The Khudari House islocated on Ghulayni
Street in the Old City
near the Osman
Kashkash Mosque. It
complements thearchitectural characterof the Old City. The
house is surrounded byhistoric houses andstands higher than thestreet level. Itsconstruction style
involves load-bearing
walls and pillars
supporting the ceiling,
primarily made ofsandstone with somemarble columns. The
thickness of the stone
walls ranges from 60-70
centimeters. The ceilingsystem consists ofintersecting vaults.
According to thehorizontal layout, theentrance leads to acorridor with a small
room branching off it.
The corridor opens into
a courtyard, which inturn connects to fiverooms and two iwans.
There's also a sixth
room that opens onto
one of the iwans.
The archaeological siteof Tel Rafah is locatedin the southern city ofRafah, adjacent to the
Egyptian border,
covering an area of 150
dunams. This Tel has
significant historicalvalue, dating back toboth the Greek and

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Roman eras. It is one of
the largest
archaeological hills in
the Gaza Strip. The
primary reason for therichness of this site is its
strategic geographic
location, serving as ameeting point forinternational routes
connecting Asia andAfrica. It was a centerfor global and local
trade between Palestineand neighboring
countries.
It is believed that the Telholds valuable
collections ofarchaeological artifacts
buried beneath its
surface, as well asarchitectural remnantsof buildings that once
stood in the Tel's
vicinity. In 2010, parts of
the Tel werediscovered, leading to
the recovery of silver
coins, pottery, andvarious tools, unveiling
architectural features ofa Roman palace,including circularcolumns.

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valuablebuildings

RashadAl-Shawa
CulturalCenterLocated in the Rimalneighborhood in thewestern part of Gaza
City, this is acontemporary
architectural landmark
designed by thearchitect Saad Mahfouz.
It was nominated for the
Aga Khan Award forArchitecture in 1992 andwas completed in 1988.
It is considered the first
cultural center built in
Palestine, with the aimof ending the culturaland civilizational
isolation that
Palestinians suffered
due to Israeli
occupation, whichsought to erase theircultural, civilizational,
and national identity.
The long building
consists of two floors
with a triangular roof.
The center includes ameeting place where
people gather forcelebrations, a librarycalled "Diana Tamari
Sabagh Library," and atheater4

4Mahmoud Siedam, "Reviving Heritage Architectural Values in Contemporary Local Architecture - A Case Study ofGaza City," Master's Thesis, Islamic University of Gaza, 2013.

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Third: The Effects of the Current War in 2023 on the Cultural Heritage in the Gaza Strip:

The cultural heritage in the Gaza Strip has been subjected to direct and indirect damage andlosses due to the recent war, which began on the seventh of October in 2023 and continues todate without interruption. Various forms of targeting affected archaeological sites, buildings, andfacilities. Some were completely destroyed, some were partially damaged, and others suffered
severe harm. These damages and losses can be summarized as follows:

The most important archaeological sites that were damaged as a result of therecent attacks in 2023.

No.

Site Name

Damage Description

Type of
Attack1.

Jabaliya Byzantine Church

Complete Destruction

DirectShelling

2.

Perferius Orthodox Church

Almost Complete
Destruction

DirectShelling

3.

Omari Mosque (Jabaliya)

Complete Destruction

DirectShelling

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The most important archaeological sites that were damaged as a result of therecent attacks in 2023.

No.

Site Name

Damage Description

Type of
Attack4.

Balakhiyah Site (Anthedon) in Gaza

Complete Destruction

DirectShelling

5.

Sheikh Shaaban MosqueComplete Destruction

DirectShelling

6.

Al-Zafar Dmari Mosque (Shuja'iya)

Complete Destruction

DirectShelling

7.

Al-Saqa Archaeological House(Shuja'iya)

Partial Damage

Indirect
Shelling

8.

Tel Al-Mansatar (Gaza)

Partial Damage

DirectShelling

9.

English Cemetery (Gaza)

Partial Damage

Indirect
Shelling

10. St. Hilarion Monastery (Nuseirat)

Partial Damage

Indirect
Shelling

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The most important archaeological sites that were damaged as a result of therecent attacks in 2023.

No.

Site Name

Damage Description

Type of
Attack

11. Tel Al-Sakan (Al-Zahra)

Partial Damage

DirectShelling

12. Tell 86 (Al-Qarara)

Partial Damage

DirectShelling

13. Mazen Market (East Khan Yunis)

Partial Damage

DirectShelling

14. Maqam Khaleel Al-Rahman (Abasan)

Complete Destruction

DirectShelling

15. Rafah Archaeological Tel

Partial Damage

DirectShelling

16. Omari Mosque (Gaza)

Partial Damage

Indirect
Shelling

17. Sayed Hashem Mosque (Gaza)

Partial Damage

DirectShelling

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The most important archaeological sites that were damaged as a result of therecent attacks in 2023.

No.

Site Name

Damage Description

Type of
Attack

18. Pasha Palace (Gaza)

Partial Damage

Indirect
Shelling

19. English Cemetery (Al-Zawaida)

Partial Damage

Indirect
Shelling

20. Maqam Al-Khidr (Deir Al-Balah)Complete Destruction

DirectShelling

21. Deir Al-Balah Museum

Partial Damage

Indirect
Shelling

22. Al-Fakhari Site

Partial Damage

DirectShelling

23. Maqam Al-Nabi Yusuf (Bani Suheila)

Partial Damage

Indirect
Shelling

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The most important archaeological sites that were damaged as a result of therecent attacks in 2023.

No.

Site Name

Damage Description

Type of
Attack

24. More than 70 Archaeological Houses

Partial Damage

Indirect
Shelling

Center for Manuscripts and Ancient
25. Documents

Complete Destruction

DirectShelling

Numbers and statistics

Type of Artifact

Quantity

Damage Description

Notes

Mosque3Complete Destruction

Direct Shelling

Mosque1Partial Damage

Direct Shelling

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Type of Artifact

Quantity

Damage Description

Notes

Mosque4Partial Damage

Indirect Shelling

Church1Partial Damage

Direct Shelling

Church3Partial Damage

Indirect Shelling

Archaeological Site

4

Partial Damage

Direct Shelling

Archaeological Site

5

Partial Damage

Indirect Shelling

Historical House

5

Partial Damage

Direct Shelling

Historical House

68

Partial Damage

Indirect Shelling

Shrine1Complete Destruction

Indirect Shelling

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Type of Artifact

Quantity

Damage Description

Notes

Shrine4Partial Damage

Indirect Shelling

Cemetery3

Partial Damage

Indirect Shelling

Museum2

Partial Damage

Indirect Shelling

Total Quantity

104

Assessment of damage

Type of Damage

Complete Destruction

Quantity

4

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Notes

Partial Damage

11

Partial Damage89

Total Quantity

104

Pictures of the damages and destruction in the archaeological sector

As a Greek Orthodox Church, the building has been in use for nearly 1000 years and is still in use to thisday. (Source: by William Hunter 2023) available online at [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article12649597/The-archaeological-sites-risk-wiped-Israeli-Palestinian-conflict-oldest-Christian-Church-Gazaunprecedented-Roman-necropolis-containing-130-tombs.html].

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A missile struck the church on Friday, resulting in the deaths of several people who were taking shelter
inside and the collapse of a nearby building. (Source: by William Hunter 2023) available online at[https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-12649597/The-archaeological-sites-risk-wiped-IsraeliPalestinian-conflict-oldest-Christian-Church-Gaza-unprecedented-Roman-necropolis-containing-130tombs.html]

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The Byzantine Church in Jabalia - Jabalia.

Damages to Aslan Church - Beit Lahia

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Damages to Al-Omari Mosque - Jabalia

Shuja'iya neighborhood - GazaANSCH | LinkedIn
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Damage to the old port of Gaza - Al-Balahiya, Gaza.

Damage to the Monastery of Saint Hilarion - Al-Nuseirat

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Damage to Tell Al-Sakan Archaeological Site - Al-Zahraa

Damage to the Maqam Khalil Al-Rahman - Abasan

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Damage to the archaeological Tel Rafah - Rafah

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