Palestinian archaeologists race against time to save Gaza’s heritage

What the report says

Palestinian archaeologists and volunteers in Gaza are working to recover and document artefacts amid widespread destruction caused by Israel’s military campaign, according to Al Jazeera. The report says the Mayasem Association for Culture and Arts’ “Guardians of Heritage” team has rescued more than 1,700 historical pieces from four museum collections while trying to prevent further damage, theft or loss. Their work is taking place as many cultural sites and landmarks across Gaza have been damaged, including major religious and historic buildings in Gaza City and the Old City area, the outlet reported.

The team operates from a temporary tent in al-Mawasi in the south and carries out field surveys in southern and central Gaza. When residents or displaced people find artefacts in rubble, the group records the location and condition, then cleans, photographs, catalogs and stores the items with basic materials. Al Jazeera said pottery, glass and metal objects are especially vulnerable because of explosions, collapsed debris and exposure to the elements.

The report highlights major obstacles: continued displacement, restricted access to some areas, limited equipment and the challenge of working near the so-called “Yellow Line,” a zone under Israeli military control. The team says some sites are too dangerous to reach, and preservation is limited to emergency stabilization rather than full restoration.

More broadly, the effort underscores the risk to Gaza’s long archaeological record, which spans thousands of years. Al Jazeera’s account frames the work as an attempt to preserve evidence of Palestinian cultural history during a period of conflict and displacement, while also pointing to the need for secure, climate-controlled storage and specialist conservation resources.