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Evacuation of Gaza Artifacts Amid Ongoing Conflict Threatens Heritage

9/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Archaeologist Olivier Poquillon reported the evacuation of ancient artifacts from a Gaza City building prior to an Israeli airstrike.
International entities, including France, UNESCO, and the Latin Patriarchate, facilitated the evacuation.
The EBAF storehouse housed artifacts from five key archaeological sites, including the UNESCO-listed Saint Hilarion monastery.
Cultural heritage in Gaza is under threat, with one museum destroyed and another damaged amid ongoing conflict.
UNESCO noted damage to 94 heritage sites, raising concerns about future excavations.

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Story summary

Archaeologist Olivier Poquillon reported the evacuation of ancient artifacts from a Gaza City building prior to an Israeli airstrike.
International entities, including France, UNESCO, and the Latin Patriarchate, facilitated the evacuation.
The EBAF storehouse housed artifacts from five key archaeological sites, including the UNESCO-listed Saint Hilarion monastery.
Cultural heritage in Gaza is under threat, with one museum destroyed and another damaged amid ongoing conflict.
UNESCO noted damage to 94 heritage sites, raising concerns about future excavations.