GAZA – On Wednesday, the Palestinian
Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) and the Palestinian Ministry of Culture
revealed that 45 writers, artists, and cultural heritage activists have been
killed since the start of the Israeli occupation’s war on the Gaza Strip on
October 7, 2023.
اضافة اعلان
According to a joint
statement released today, the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip resulted in the
destruction of approximately 32 cultural centers and institutions, as well as
12 museums. Additionally, more than 2,100 pieces of clothing and embroidered items
were lost, and around 27 murals were destroyed. Furthermore, Quds Press
reported that over eight publishing houses and printing presses were targeted.
The impact extended to media
and artistic production studios, with three companies affected. Nine public
libraries, four religious sites, and 219 mosques were destroyed entirely, while
287 mosques suffered partial damage. In addition, three churches, 195
historical buildings, nine archaeological sites, and 19 universities and
colleges were also affected.
In the West Bank, Israeli
policies have led to the suspension of many cultural activities due to repeated
invasions and various massacres committed in different areas. For instance, the
Soap Festival in Nablus, scheduled for April, was canceled as part of the
Ministry of Culture’s preparations to register Nablus soap on the World
Heritage List. Similarly, all celebrations related to National Heritage Day
were also canceled.
The statement further
highlights that Palestinian institutions and associations in occupied Jerusalem
have faced attempts at dismantling. For example, the Palestinian National
Theatre (or Al-Hakawati Theatre) has been affected. Meanwhile, Israeli authorities
are actively working to render these associations ineffective and completely
halt their activities, using restrictive administrative and legal measures.
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