"Since the outbreak of Israel's war on the Gaza Strip in 2023, the destruction has not been limited to homes and public infrastructure. It has also extended to cultural and intellectual heritage, as libraries and archives across the enclave have endured major attacks and significant losses."
"Reports from human rights and academic organizations indicate that more than 87 public libraries and archives in Gaza have been partially or completely destroyed, resulting in the loss of hundreds of thousands of books, documents, and rare manuscripts that form an essential part of Palestinian cultural and historical memory."
"The Islamic University of Gaza, one of the oldest and largest universities in Gaza, housed more than 1.5 million books covering a wide range of disciplines, from literature, history, and philosophy to science and technology."
"Library visitors gradually disappeared from public spaces. Reading habits shifted to homes, displacement shelters, and digital platforms, as people attempted to preserve their cultural practices amid a war that has devastated the territory and disrupted everyday life."
The war in Gaza has led to the destruction of cultural heritage, impacting libraries and archives significantly. Over 87 public libraries have been damaged or destroyed, resulting in the loss of hundreds of thousands of books and manuscripts. The Islamic University of Gaza, housing 1.5 million books, has also been severely affected. As a result, reading habits have shifted to homes and digital platforms, as people strive to maintain their cultural practices amidst the ongoing conflict.
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