Erasing history: Thousands of books, manuscripts destroyed in Israel’s war on Gaza

In its ongoing genocidal war against the Palestinian people in the besieged Gaza Strip, the Israeli occupation forces destroyed and burned down the publishing house and library of Al-Kalima in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in Gaza on February 19, announced Rami Abdo, head of the Euro-Mediterranean Monitor, on his X platform.

The publishing house contained thousands of books discussing the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as other works on Jerusalem, peace, and various topics. While it had previously been destroyed by the Israeli army during the 2021 aggression on the Strip, it was later rebuilt, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Culture.

“The occupation government is continuing to destroy Palestinian landmarks, erasing all aspects of Palestinian historical and cultural heritage, and has stolen numerous manuscripts, books, and documents,” said Issa Qaraqe in comments made during the “Beit Al-Kull” talk show on Egyptian Channel 1 on February 16.

Qaraqe added that Israel has targeted universities, libraries, museums, as well as popular and historical markets in Gaza, in an attempt to erase Palestinian history and narrative.

According to a report issued by the National Library of Palestine on February 13, Israel has destroyed nine publishing and press houses, along with a center for restoring manuscripts in Gaza, as well as nine public libraries and the Orthodox Cultural Center.

During the celebration of Arab Document Day in October 2014, themed “Palestine in Arab Documents,” former Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Al Araby stated that Israel had stolen at least 80,000 Palestinian books and manuscripts since 1948. He called for unified Arab efforts to reclaim this stolen heritage.