Fadel al-Utol has worked in in Gaza for 30 years. He has witnessed the destruction of important archaeological sites – as well as his own home
as part of an agreement between France and the Palestinian National Authority. I have also worked with Unesco and the British Council on projects to uncover and preserve historical sites.I was working for an organisation that protects heritage in areas of conflict that mentors, trains and employs graduates in archaeology from universities in Gaza. We train them for three months and then choose the best.
I am very, very sad about what has happened to archaeological sites and heritage in Gaza. I did not cry over my own house that was struck – like the rest of the houses, it is gone. But then I saw that the, a museum and historical building, was also struck. These were deliberate direct strikes. Afterwards, bulldozers were used. It is an extremely saddening state of affairs. I feel this war has burned humans, stones and trees. Nothing is left of Gaza and the city’s beauty.
My eldest son also helps, but if there’s something a bit far away that needs to be brought, I do it because I am older and can figure it out if things get risky. And then you hear that there is someone nearby who is wanted by Israel and so the area is struck. These are massive bombs. The sound and shaking of the ground puts you in a state of horror. It’s something you do not even see in Hollywood movies, not even in your imagination.
We left our homes with nothing, thinking we would be back in days. I left in a T-shirt and trousers. Me and my whole family have nothing to do with political or military affairs. I am a civilian who wants to live a cultural and humanitarian life. Why are they punishing me?buildings since the start of the war?
The team that works with me remains in Gaza. Whenever the Israeli army leaves an area, the team takes pictures and sends them to me whenever they find an internet connection. I document the extent of the destruction and keep track. The war will end one day. All wars end. And we will build Gaza back into a place that is even more beautiful than it was before.
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