Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip have not only inflicted heavy casualties among civilians and caused widespread destruction of infrastructure, but have also resulted in severe damage to archaeological and cultural heritage sites, some of which date back thousands of years.
Ancient mosques, churches, markets, and museums -- symbols of Palestine's enduring historical and civilizational legacy -- have suffered extensive damage or have been completely destroyed amid the ongoing conflict.
Observers have said this constitutes a grave threat to some of the most important manifestations of Palestinian identity and heritage still standing in Gaza.
According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), at least 110 archaeological and cultural sites have been damaged in Gaza since the escalation began in October 2023.
The loss marks a significant blow to Palestinian cultural heritage and is raising alarm across the international community.
"Around 80 percent of Gaza's archaeological sites have been targeted. Mosques, churches, old markets, historic homes. The message is clear: it's an attempt to erase Gaza's historical identity." said Palestinian historian Ayman Al-Belbisi.
Palestinian scholars and rights groups have called for urgent international attention and intervention, underscoring that the destruction of cultural heritage represents not only a violation of international law, but also an assault on the collective memory and identity of the Palestinian people.
"We have documented several cases in which the Israeli army has deliberately targeted cultural and archaeological sites across the Gaza Strip. These [actions] were apparently deliberate to obliterate the Palestinian identity in Gaza and the Palestinian history, and as a tool of genocide that has been practiced against the Palestinians for over 21 months now," said Maha Al-Husseini, strategy director for Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor.
Cultural experts stress that heritage is irreplaceable. Unlike infrastructure, it cannot simply be rebuilt. The international community has been urged to take swift and concrete steps to ensure the protection of what remains of Gaza's historical landmarks.
While the damage is vast and irreversible, voices in Gaza emphasize that what has been destroyed will not be forgotten.
Israeli strikes destroy Gaza's cultural heritage, threaten Palestinian historical identity
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
