According to BBC, Fadel al-Otol, who now resides in Switzerland with most of his family, expressed his deep concern over the situation. “Honestly, I can hardly speak, for two days I’ve barely slept,” Fadel shared. He was extremely worried, feeling as though a missile could strike at his heart at any moment. After international experts intervened, Israel granted an extra day for evacuation. Fadel and others remotely guided Palestinian volunteers and aid workers to move six lorryloads of artefacts, including fragile ceramics, mosaics, and centuries-old skeletons, to a safer location across the bombed-out city.
The ongoing conflict has escalated as Israeli troops move towards the center of Gaza City, aiming to occupy it fully. Fadel expressed his heartbreak, stating that the destruction of archaeological sites and museums was something he never imagined. Gaza’s history spans over 5,000 years, having been a significant port on the Mediterranean coast and a vital trade route between Egypt, Syria, and Mesopotamia. Civilizations like the Canaanites, Egyptians, Philistines, and others have left their mark on the region, making its cultural heritage central to Palestinian identity. Despite years of conflict, some remain dedicated to preserving Gaza’s past.
Fadel al-Otol’s fascination with archaeology began in Gaza’s Shati refugee camp, where he was captivated by artefacts washed ashore during winter storms. Living near the ancient port of Anthedon, he developed a deep connection with Gaza’s rich history. He safeguarded major finds from local excavations stored in Gaza City by the French school, including discoveries at the Church of Al-Bureij and the largest Roman cemetery in Gaza, Ard al-Moharbeen.
The conflict intensified on October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters attacked Israel, leading to a massive Israeli response. The Hamas-run health ministry reports nearly 65,000 Palestinian deaths, and extensive destruction has been recorded. UNESCO has verified damage to 110 sites of historical and cultural significance. Iconic landmarks like the Great Omari Mosque and Qasr al-Basha have suffered significant damage, and the fate of thousands of artefacts remains unknown.
Fadel’s dedication to Gaza’s archaeological heritage is supported by Jehad Abu Hassan, who works for the French humanitarian organization Première Urgence Internationale. They initiated a programme called Intiqal, training young Gazans in archaeology and public tours, supported by the British Council and the French development agency, AFD. Despite the challenging environment, Intiqal has had a positive impact, with locals recognizing the importance of cultural heritage.
In recent days, Intiqal volunteers and the Holy Family Church have worked to save the contents of Gaza City’s archaeological store, despite previous looting incidents. Jehad Abu Hassan believes that cultural heritage could play a pivotal role in Gaza’s post-war recovery, emphasizing the region’s historical and cultural significance beyond the images of conflict.
International courts have opened cases into alleged war crimes by both Hamas and Israel, with claims of cultural heritage destruction being part of ongoing legal proceedings. The 1954 Hague Convention aims to protect cultural landmarks during war, acknowledging their importance to people’s history and identity. Israel accuses Hamas of embedding military assets in densely populated areas, impacting cultural sites, while the Israeli military emphasizes efforts to minimize harm to civilian infrastructure.
In Geneva, Fadel al-Otol continues his work at the Art and History Museum, preserving and cataloguing about 500 items from Gaza. Despite the sadness and nostalgia these artefacts evoke, he is grateful that they are safe, unlike many others lost in the conflict. The story of Gaza’s archaeological treasures serves as a testament to the resilience and dedication of those committed to preserving cultural heritage amidst adversity.