As the war in Gaza continues, Palestinian archaeologists are engaged in a desperate effort to salvage the region’s cultural heritage from widespread destruction. Since military operations began in October 2023, UNESCO reports that at least 164 cultural sites have been damaged, with landmarks such as the Great Omari Mosque, Hamam al-Sammara, Qasr al-Basha, and the al-Qarara Cultural Museum near Khan Younis among the affected structures.
Shaimaa Mohammad al-Natour, assistant coordinator for the Mayasem Association for Culture and Arts’ “Guardians of Heritage” initiative, stated that her team has recovered more than 1,700 historical pieces from four museum collections. The artifacts, which reflect Gaza’s position as a crossroads of empires over millennia, are at risk of deteriorating or being stolen amid the chaos of war, which has killed at least 74,022 Palestinians.
Operating out of a temporary tent in the al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis, the team conducts field surveys across southern and central Gaza to document damage to both public and private collections. The effort, initially self-initiated, has evolved into a structured operation relying on local residents to report finds.
“We handle notifications by first filling out a comprehensive survey containing the informant’s details, the artefact’s location, and its condition,” al-Natour explained. After rescue, items undergo cleaning, archiving, and photography, with each piece assigned a unique digital identity to preserve its historical context.
The team faces significant obstacles, including displacement, a shortage of specialized restoration equipment, and Israeli military restrictions. Many collections remain behind the “Yellow Line,” a zone of complete Israeli military control where 196 Palestinians have been killed since a ceasefire took effect in October 2025. Al-Natour noted that these areas are currently inaccessible, posing grave risks to the team.
Due to limited resources, the team uses mobile phones for photography and paper records as backups against data loss. They adhere to a policy of minimal intervention, focusing on stabilization rather than permanent restoration to avoid irreversible damage. Fragile pottery and glassware require careful handling with soft brushes to remove dust without compromising original markings.
Storage conditions in the coastal tent expose artifacts to humidity, mold, insects, and rodents. Wooden crates are prone to rot and vibration damage during frequent relocations. Al-Natour emphasized that securing stable, climate-controlled storage and specialized training are critical next steps.
Beyond physical preservation, the initiative aims to foster community awareness. Through workshops and educational programs for children, youth, and displaced residents, the team encourages the documentation of oral histories and traditional crafts. Al-Natour highlighted that seeing heritage saved from rubble shifts public perception, reinforcing culture as a vital element worth protecting even during crisis.
The oral history workshops are just as important as the physical artifacts. Culture lives in people, not just objects.
Using mobile phones instead of proper equipment seems desperate but brilliant. Adaptation is key when resources vanish completely.
I’m shocked by the ‘Yellow Line’ restrictions. How can anyone preserve heritage when access is blocked by military control?
Gaza has been a crossroads of empires for millennia. Preserving this history ensures future generations remember their identity.
Humidity and rodents in a tent? They need climate-controlled storage immediately or the pottery will be lost to mold anyway.
The dedication of these archaeologists is breathtaking. Saving 1,700 artifacts from ruin is a monumental act of resistance.