An ancient harbour dating back to 800 BC, a mosque that was home to rare manuscripts, and one of the world’s oldest Christian monasteries are just a few of at least 195 heritage sites destroyed or damaged since Israel’s bombing on Gaza began on October 7.

According to Al Jazeera, Gaza, one of the world’s longest inhabited areas, has been home to a pastiche of people since at least the 15th century BC, according to historians. Empires — including the ancient Egyptians, Assyrians and Romans – have come and gone.

Wiping out the cultural heritage of a people is one of the many war crimes South Africa alleges against Israel in a lawsuit that was heard this past week at the International Court of Justice.

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