Summary
Workers in Gaza are clearing rubble from the historic Great Omari Mosque, which was damaged during the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. A ceasefire has allowed recovery work to begin, but reconstruction is difficult because building supplies are blocked from entering Gaza. Conservation efforts are also underway to save ancient Islamic manuscripts that survived the destruction.
Key Facts
- The Great Omari Mosque in Gaza, a historic site, was damaged by Israeli military actions during the conflict with Hamas.
- Palestinian workers are clearing rubble, but they can't start rebuilding due to a lack of materials.
- Israel is not allowing building supplies into Gaza as part of the ceasefire agreement.
- Hosni al-Mazloum, an engineer, says they must use basic tools to carefully sift through stones that are over 1,200 years old.
- Hanin al-Amsi is working to save ancient Islamic manuscripts stored at the mosque's library.
- Of 228 manuscripts, about 148 survived, thanks to pre-war preservation efforts with the British Library.
- UNESCO has confirmed 145 cultural sites in Gaza were damaged in the recent conflict through satellite images.
- Accusations exist regarding intentional targeting of heritage sites, which both sides deny.
