Israel demolished my 570-year-old home in Gaza

Mohammed Asad

4 weeks ago

60-year-old Hazem Al-Shawa is homeless because of Israel’s bombing of the enclave [Mohammed Asad]

Like the majority of Palestinians in Gaza, 60-year-old Hazem Al-Shawa is homeless because of Israel’s bombing of the enclave. Hazem, however, hasn’t only lost his home and possessions, by destroying his home and neighbourhood in a firebelt, Israel has tried to erase Gaza’s history.

“This house of ours is 570 years old, dating back to the seventh century. You can see the Ottoman inscriptions and the natural stonework. Our homes are built of Shammar stone, the ancient stone used at that time. You can also see the domes that rise above the ceilings of the rooms, which are made of pottery,” Hazem tells MEMO.

His neighbourhood is well-known in the history of Gaza City.

“We have lived in this house through its ups and downs, and our walls tell stories and tales from our ancient ancestors throughout their various eras. The Ministry of Tourism takes into account the history of these buildings, which are added to the facades of important buildings and landmarks in Gaza City,” he explains.

“What the occupation seeks is to destroy these places and erase history and identity, which is essential in the context of the ongoing conflict over land rights.”

During its ongoing genocidal campaign in Gaza, the Israeli occupation has stolen antiquities and ancient trees, demolished Gaza’s historical buildings, such as the Omari Mosque and the Pasha Palace, among other buildings in an effort to erase the Palestinian presence on the land and their deep roots to it and its history.

Dispatch from Gaza: Saving Gaza’s ancient structures