Newly released data compiled by the Palestinian Ministry of Culture, with help from other organizations including UNESCO, has revealed the extent to which culture and heritage in the Gaza Strip have been “systematically” targeted by Israel during its genocidal war. The data was gathered via satellite imagery and field reports from Palestinians on the ground in Gaza. 

Many who helped put together the findings were killed by Israel, including Bassem Hassouna, director of Gaza’s Culture Ministry. In March last year, he was killed by an Israeli attack near Gaza City’s Al-Shifa Hospital. 

According to the compiled data, 25 registered cultural institutions and over 80 unregistered cultural centers were destroyed – including the Palestinian Planning Center, Rashad al-Shawa Cultural Center, and Bayader Theater Association. 

Additionally, seven cultural collectives were eradicated and their members displaced, with some of their founders killed. Dozens of poets, artists, and musicians have lost their lives to the genocidal war that began on 7 October. 

An estimated 87 libraries were also destroyed by Israel, including the Omari Mosque Library, which held centuries-old manuscripts. 

The Palestinian Culture Ministry data adds that 146 historic homes were destroyed in Israeli airstrikes and shelling. A total of 12 museums were destroyed as well. 

The Omari Mosque Manuscripts (dating back to 1514 AD), Gaza Municipal Archives (150 years of records), Land Registry records, Ministry of Education Archives, Ministry of Awqaf Archives (Ottoman waqf documents), and Azhar Institute Archives have all been destroyed. 

The destruction of around 110 cultural heritage sites has also been verified by UNESCO, the data shows. 

“This report is the culmination of previous reports based on what we receive from sources … which provides a basis for the continuation of these reports. This contributes to conveying the message of our besieged people … as well as exposing the occupation’s ongoing crimes in all aspects, especially since killing culture is an essential part of killing the Palestinian identity,” the ministry said. 

The previously unpublished data comes as Israel is preparing a devastating assault to seize and occupy Gaza City. 

It is now operating on Gaza City’s outskirts, erasing infrastructure and causing mass destruction ahead of the large-scale attack.