Palestinian officials say ‘Israeli’ forces have stolen more than 17,000 archaeological artifacts from the historic Al-Basha Palace Museum (Qasr al-Basha) in Gaza City during the more-than-two-year-long assault on the Strip.
Hamouda al-Dahdar, supervisor of the archaeological restoration of Al-Basha Palace, said the museum previously contained over 17,000 items, primarily from the Mamluk era, before their disappearance.
He attributed the loss mainly to ‘Israeli’ forces, noting that only 20 artifacts have so far been recovered from the rubble of the site, according to Palestinian sources.
Also Read | Billie Eilish reaffirms support for Gaza in graduation post
Al-Dahdar confirmed that the museum had housed artifacts dating back to the Mamluk, Ottoman, Byzantine, and Roman eras, as well as pre-historic periods, making it one of Gaza’s most important cultural and historical repositories.
Historic Palace Reduced to Ruins
The Al-Basha Palace, also known as Pasha’s Palace or Qasr al-Basha, is a 13th-century Mamluk-era structure that once functioned as a fortress and governor’s residence.
In more recent decades, it served as a museum showcasing Gaza’s archaeological heritage, including pottery, coins, and relics spanning centuries.
‘Israeli’ forces bombed the site in December 2023 and later bulldozed it, leaving the historic complex in ruins.
Wider Destruction of Heritage Sites
The Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has accused ‘Israel’ of destroying hundreds of archaeological locations in Gaza, claiming the objective is to erase Palestinian identity and historical legacy.
Officials warn that the loss of artifacts from Qasr al-Basha, combined with the widespread destruction of heritage sites, represents an irreplaceable blow to Palestinian cultural memory and the broader history of the region.