Gaza's Heritage Sites: First Aid for Manuscripts Amid Rubble and Restrictions

Palestinian teams have begun emergency recovery work at archaeological sites damaged during the war in Gaza. Specialists describe the effort as "first aid for manuscripts," focusing on stabilizing precious artifacts and clearing dangerous rubble. However, full restoration faces major obstacles. Israeli restrictions severely limit the entry of essential construction materials into Gaza, such as wood, cement, and metal. These materials, classified as "dual-use" because they could also serve military purposes, are crucial for rebuilding ancient structures. Without them, conservators can only perform basic salvage operations to prevent further loss of Gaza's cultural heritage.