Latest news with #Al-Hayek

See - Sada Elbalad

Israeli Strikes Destroyed 216 Heritage Sites in Gaza in 'Erasure of Palestinian Narrative

Ahmed Emam Palestinian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Hani Al-Hayek, has accused Israel of carrying out systematic destruction of Gaza's cultural heritage during the recent military offensive, warning that the damage threatens to erase centuries of Palestinian history and identity. Speaking to Extra News, Al-Hayek said that 216 archaeological sites out of 316 documented locations in Gaza have been partially or completely destroyed in Israeli strikes. Among the devastated landmarks is the historic Pasha's Palace Museum, which Al-Hayek described as a significant cultural institution housing thousands of antiquities. 'The museum was directly targeted and completely destroyed,' he said. Al-Hayek added that the destruction extended to sites listed on the World Heritage Tentative List, such as the ancient Gaza Port and Wadi Gaza. 'This reflects a deliberate effort to erase the Palestinian narrative and obliterate our cultural identity,' he said. 'Churches and mosques have been targeted; virtually no heritage landmark was spared. This is a systematic assault threatening our historical existence.' Despite the ongoing conflict and severe conditions in Gaza, the ministry is preparing for the 'day after the war.' Al-Hayek said national teams are being formed to survey damage and salvage what remains of the territory's cultural heritage. He also noted that the ministry has been in contact with international organizations, chiefly UNESCO, urging them to fulfill their obligations to protect heritage sites. Among the sites requiring urgent protection is Tell Umm Amer, also known as the St. Hilarion Monastery. Al-Hayek further stated that attacks on cultural heritage are not limited to Gaza. He pointed to the situation in the West Bank, where the Ibrahimi Mosque (Cave of the Patriarchs) in Hebron has faced attempts to alter its features to suit Jewish religious practices. The ministry, he said, has demanded an immediate halt to these violations through direct appeals to UNESCO. He also highlighted recent capacity-building efforts for Palestinian heritage professionals, mentioning a workshop held in Cairo last February aimed at training engineers in post-war restoration techniques. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean