In the midst of ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, efforts are underway in Gaza to preserve the territory’s cultural heritage that has suffered extensive damage. Volunteers working under challenging conditions are carefully salvaging artifacts and historic materials at sites across the region, aiming to protect remnants of a rich and diverse history.

The United Nations has reported that more than 160 historic and cultural sites in the Palestinian territory have been damaged during the hostilities. This includes artifacts that date back thousands of years, reflecting Gaza’s complex historical narrative shaped by various civilizations including Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. These influences are evident in the remains of churches, mosques, ports, and other cultural landmarks, many of which have incurred damage due to shelling and air strikes.

In Khan Yunis, a city in southern Gaza, volunteers donning surgical gloves have been meticulously removing dust from stone mosaics and other fragile items, often using simple paintbrushes. The preservation work is being led by local organizations such as the Mayasem Association for Culture and Arts. Muhannad Abu Lahia, a cultural heritage guide with the association, highlighted the significance of some of the artifacts, including a mortar used for grinding grains and herbs that is estimated to be around 5,000 years old. Items that have been preserved are stored in weatherproof containers to protect them from further deterioration.

Despite shortages and restrictions on the entry of goods into Gaza, partly due to stringent control by Israel, the volunteers have improvised conservation techniques to continue their work. Without access to specialized equipment, they have constructed a makeshift scanning station that enables the digitization of old photographs and documents, preserving them electronically for future generations.

Mohammed Abu Lahia, a Palestinian visual artist involved in the efforts, emphasized the importance of these preservation activities as a way to reaffirm cultural identity and educate younger generations. He stressed the dual goal of reviving lost art forms and sending a message of commitment to both heritage and the broader Palestinian cause.

The overwhelming impact of the conflict on Gaza’s infrastructure is stark, with the UN estimating that over 90 percent of buildings in the Strip have been damaged or destroyed. This has left many cultural sites vulnerable, raising concerns about the long-term preservation of Gaza’s historical legacy amid ongoing instability and restricted resources.