Nour Fersi
Throughout history, theatres of war have often witnessed one of the harshest forms of atrocities, those that do not lead to bloodshed but rather result in the disappearance of identity and history inherited by nations. Erased from existence in the past, present, and future, from the burning of the "Leuven" library by German forces during the World War I to the deliberate destruction of archaeological sites in the Bosnian War, and reaching the heinous crimes committed by ISIS against historical sites in Iraq and Syria.
The war is not only a means to control strategic locations and exterminate people, but also a method for erasing history and cultural heritage that has endured through the ages for nations. With the evident and explicit targeting of its historical wealth in the city of Gaza, we realise that the eradication of cultural heritage is not just a new violation, but has become a tragic pattern that persists across the pages of history.
"Many prominent historical landmarks in Gaza have been partially or destroyed, despite their absence in the areas of conflict between Palestinian resistance and the Israeli occupation army, and they do not pose a threat to it. This indicates that the attacks were deliberate and pre-planned. The uniqueness of this war lies in its widespread targeting of archaeological symbols and historical buildings, a pattern distinct from previous wars waged on the Gaza Strip."
In these words, Palestinian journalist Wael Dahdouh, in a statement to The Daily Messenger describes this war not only as an attempt to exterminate people and destroy infrastructure, but also as a deliberate effort to erase all historical evidence that proves the historical presence of the Palestinian citizen over thousands of years and their right to the land. This is part of a comprehensive and collective punishment approach as part of the strategy of eradication.
Gaza City boasts unparalleled historical wealth, being one of the oldest cities in the world. Founded around the third millennium BCE by the Canaanite Arabs it retains the name 'Gaza,' attributed to 'Gaza Hashim' named after Hashim bin Abd Manaf, the grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad, who is buried in the mosque bearing his name in the Gaza Strip.
The city has witnessed several conflicts leading to different names assigned by the Canaanites (Hazati), the ancient Egyptians (Gazato) and (Gadato), the Assyrians (Azati), and the Hebrews (Aza). Despite these changes, 'Gaza' continued to maintain its Arabic name, reflecting its history and identity. In modern times, the Egyptians referred to it as the 'Gaza Strip' after their control according to the 1949 Armistice Agreement. In 1993, it regained Palestinian sovereignty, becoming part of of the administrative structure of the Palestinian territories.
HISTORICAL IMAGE OF THE CITY
Gaza is home to more than 30 historical and archaeological sites, including the Grand Umayyad Mosque, considered the oldest and most prestigious mosque in the city, it stands out with the beauty of ancient architectural art and numerous factors that highlight the urban artistry in Gaza. Other notable sites include the Mosque of Sayyid Hashim, the Greek Orthodox Church, and mosaic floors that narrate the stories of ancient civilizations, we also have the city of Rafah, founded by humans five thousand years ago, boasts several historical landmarks, such as Burqouq Castle and the Maqam (shrine) of Ibrahim al-Khalil. These Historical treasures reflect the depth of cultural and civilizational richness across the ages.
Gaza is rich in cultural and historical heritage, giving birth to what can be described as a mosaic of coexistence, especially between Muslims and Christians. It encompasses various cultural and human tributaries, forming what we can refer to as the 'Gazan identity,' an integral part of the Palestinian persona.
International Organisations: Duplicity in Standards During the recent period, multiple reports, news, and statements from local organisations have condemned the targeting by the occupying air force of historical and archaeological landmarks, including mosques, churches, and museums. Additionally, their contents are continuously being looted, as confirmed by journalist Wael Dahdouh in an interview with The Daily Messenger.
He stated, “The assault targeted the world's second-oldest church, the Church of Saint Porphyrius (an Eastern Orthodox church in the Zaytoun neighbourhood of Gaza City, named after Saint Porphyrius who is buried there). This church is located in what we call Old Gaza, which contains many ancient artefacts and historical houses dating back thousands of years. Another church was located next to the Baptist Hospital, which was subjected to the infamous bombing, resulting in the loss of hundreds of martyrs and casualties, along with the Grand Umayyad Mosque, the oldest and largest mosque in the Strip suffered significant damage from the bombing without posing any threat to the occupying forces. Additionally, the Caesar's Market, the Mosque of Sayyid Hashim, the Al-Zawiya Market, the Municipal Building, and the Legislative Council Building in the western part of the city, which witnessed significant and diverse historical and political epochs were also affected.”
Despite the Hague Convention of 1954, which stipulates that the cultural property owned by people is part of the cultural heritage belonging to all humanity, and further reinforced by two additional protocols in 1977, incorporated into customary international law and the foundational system of the International Criminal Court in 1998, with an additional protocol attached to the same convention in 1999. In addition, there is the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage of 1972, which adopts the same principle, stating that certain sites in the world possess 'outstanding universal value' and must be part of the common heritage of humanity. The accession of Palestine to UNESCO in 2011, becoming a party to eight conventions and protocols, including those previously mentioned, cannot be ignored.
However, we witness today a frustrating silence from the democratic, rights-oriented and integrity-seeking nations, as well as international organisations as a whole. Cultural massacres, alongside human massacres in the region are observed without any notable action or stance, even unable to demand an end to the bloodshed in the region. This silence comes in the face of Israeli occupation army's disregard for these laws and protocols, in a desperate attempt to erase Palestinian identity and the historical significance of the cause, with these archaeological landmarks serving as official documents proving its legitimacy.
Picture of the historical buildings that have been destroyed social activist in Gaza, Mohammed Abu Fares, comments on the issue: "Today in Gaza, we feel that no one is capable of stopping the crimes of the occupation against humanity in the Strip. Everything here is targeted, whether it's a human being or an inanimate object. There is no noteworthy action or stance by any organisation, and therefore, they ignore the charters they crafted. Even those who dare to express their opinions face a barrage of attacks from multiple parties and encounter arbitrary exclusion. With each passing day of violations, the international community proves its failure each time, while the occupation executes our past, present, and eradicates our future."
Utopia: Searching for a Lost History the Tunisian expert in archaeology and Islamic history, Naji Jalloul, believes that the occupation's attempt to destroy historical artefacts in Gaza is not unusual. It's not the first time that attacks and obliteration have occurred. The Israeli occupation conducts daily excavations in the sacred Jerusalem compound in search of the remains of the alleged Solomon's Temple.
He adds, saying, "Israel has no artefacts, history, or presence in Palestine, unlike Christians and Muslims. Even the Western Wall they pray in front of has no connection to them. Artefacts are the identity, the identity of peoples and their existence, and a component of the national narrative.
Therefore, the Israeli army seeks to eradicate all components of life and erase the Palestinian memory."
In a similar context, an article was published earlier in the Israeli newspaper "Jerusalem Report," addressing the skepticism of Israeli archaeologist Israel Finkelstein from Tel Aviv University about the Jewish connection to Jerusalem. He affirmed that Jewish archaeologists haven't found historical or archaeological evidence supporting some stories in the Torah, including the stories of the Exodus and the wandering in Sinai, and Joshua's victory over Canaan.
Regarding the topic of Solomon's Temple, he pointed out the absence of any archaeological evidence confirming its existence beneath the Jerusalem compound, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, or the Dome of the Rock. Many believe that these excavation operations are a systematic process aimed at forcing Palestinians out of their lands.
In the same context, journalist Wael Duhduh concludes his statement to The Daily Messenger with optimism, pointing out that the Palestinian right is an established right that does not require a lot of evidence and proof. He emphasised the Palestinian people's commitment to preserving historical artifacts, as evidenced by their resilience in the face of challenges throughout history. He affirmed that Palestinian history will persist, and everything that has been destroyed will be restored and repaired. These artefacts will remain witnesses to the enduring Palestinian history, highlighting the eternal connection between humans as builders of civilisation, and the symbols and artefacts they leave for future generations, and in each stage, new symbols will be added, narrating the story, history, and culture of the people for the future generations.
The writer is a Tunisian journalist and researcher holding Master's degree in Investigative Journalism from University of Manouba
Messenger/Alamin
