On 6th June 2024, Salah Hussein Al-Houdalieh published a new study in SAPIAN magazine, titled "The International Order Is Failing to Protect Palestinian Cultural Heritage". The abstract: Archaeological sites and historical monuments face a perpetual threat of destruction, vandalism, eradication, and looting, regardless of whether there is peace or during and after political or armed conflicts. Nevertheless, these hazards were significantly intensified during the armed conflict. Conflict zones provide optimal conditions for destruction, looting and illegal trade of antiquities due to a multitude of factors. The destabilization of legal systems and social order during times of war creates a conducive environment for looting, allowing both individuals looking for immediate opportunities and organized criminal networks to exploit archaeological sites. In addition, conflicts often cause chaos and interruptions that divert attention and resources from protecting and safeguarding cultural assets, thereby making archaeological sites susceptible to acts of vandalism and destruction. Furthermore, the financial rewards generated by conflict motivate individuals to participate in looting as a way to ensure their survival or pursue financial gains. In areas devastated by armed conflict, the rate of unemployment increases significantly, leading to a widespread state of poverty. As a result, individuals are compelled to exploit archaeological sites as a profitable means of earning income.
During the initial 6 months of the current war on the Gaza Strip, the Israeli military forces have deliberately attacked almost 60% of the region's cultural heritage sites using air, land, and sea forces, resulting in the loss of a significant portion of humanity's cultural heritage. The sites and monuments that have been destroyed or damaged include archeological sites, traditional commercial and residential buildings, churches, mosques, museums, universities, historical schools, historical trade routes, and historical public baths. On the other hand, the Palestinians themselves have during this particular war recommenced unauthorized digging activities at numerous archaeological sites in the West Bank, with the intention of extracting valuable archaeological artifacts for sale on the illegal antiquities market. For more information about the study, please contact the author at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or the scientific research office at (the email of our office).
The link to the essay: https://www.sapiens.org/archaeology/cultural-heritage-gaza-destruction/
