Ever heard of a place going from zero to hero? Well, the ancient monastery in Gaza has taken quite the journey, from being just another historical site to landing itself on the UNESCO World Heritage list, but with a catch—it’s now officially a “site in danger.”
According to Arab News on Saturday (July 27), UNESCO made this call in New Delhi, India, last Friday. The monastery, founded by Saint Hilarion in 350 AD, is nestled in Tell Umm Amer, an archaeological site in Nuseirat Refugee Camp, Deir Al-Balah Province, Gaza.
This isn’t a new development, though. The bid to get the site recognized as endangered started way back in 2012. It finally got the nod because, well, let’s just say the situation in Gaza is anything but stable. Palestine’s ambassador to UNESCO, Mounir Anastas, sees this as a beacon of hope for Gaza’s war-weary residents amid the constant threat of Israeli attacks.
And it’s no small wonder why. Over 40,000 people have lost their lives, and much of the area’s infrastructure has been reduced to rubble. Mounir pointed out that despite living under the constant threat of bombings, without shelter, water, or food, the people of Gaza are determined to protect their heritage. For them, this monastery isn’t just a pile of old stones; it’s a piece of their history and identity.
Under the World Heritage Convention, 195 countries, including Israel, are bound to protect such sites, directly or indirectly. So, this decision also serves as a stern reminder to the international community that they have a duty to safeguard this historical gem.
This move is more than just about bricks and mortar; it’s a strong message to the people of Gaza: the world hasn’t forgotten you. Saint Hilarion, the so-called Father of Palestinian Monasticism, would be proud. The monastery once served as a crucial link connecting Egypt, Palestine, Syria, and Mesopotamia, and stands as evidence of Christianity’s presence in Palestine.
Sadly, 207 out of 320 archaeological sites and buildings of cultural significance in Gaza have been destroyed or heavily damaged, thanks to Israeli military actions over the past 10 months. This includes Al-Qissariya Market, Mosque of Omari, and St. Porphyrios.
South Africa has even taken Israel to the International Court of Justice over this, accusing it of deliberately trying to erase Palestinian cultural identity by destroying these heritage sites. If there was ever a tale of history in peril, this would be it.