The region involved in the Hamas-Israel conflict has been a cradle of multiple civilizations. It has seen many of the world’s oldest cultures and civilizations. From ancient Canaanite cities to Roman ruins, from Byzantine churches to Islamic mosques, every stone tells a unique ancient story. Yet photos taken over the weekend have shown various destroyed mosques and buildings amid the conflict. 

Historians and archaeologists have long expressed deep concern over the loss of these rich archaeological and architectural heritage sites in the region, which has already suffered alarming destruction and negligence.