Palestinians begin preservation of Gaza's heritage with help from $1m fund

"This is both a national and humanitarian task for us. The history and heritage of Gaza are the heritage of humanity and the world. We think about our heritage every moment," says Mohammad Abu Lehia, the founder of the Al Qarara Cultural Museum, which was damaged during the war.

"Workers at the Mayasem Association had to search extensively for everyday items such as boxes, cardboard and sponges, which could be adapted for storage purposes. Rescued objects are packed in a 'scientific and suitable manner' and prepared for evacuation..."

"Emergency documentation for damage assessments is being conducted at three major cultural sites in Gaza City: the seventh-century Al Omari Mosque, which was destroyed by ongoing conflict."

"More than 2,000 items from the museum's collection were relocated during the recent rescue efforts by the Mayasem Association, in partnership with the Palestinian Museum in the West Bank. These included archaeological remains such as pottery, tombstones and statues as well as Palestinian traditional crafts."

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