UNESCO Inclusion of Tell Um Amir in Gaza for Protection

The Palestinian National Authority called on Thursday for the site of Saint Hilarion Monastery/Tell Um Amir in the Gaza Strip to be included on UNESCO's list for enhanced protection against damage, destruction, and all forms of appropriation. This request was made during a special meeting regarding the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, which ensures the protection of cultural heritage and antiquities in areas of armed conflict and occupation from damage and destruction, as well as all forms of appropriation. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that "heritage and cultural sites, schools, universities, and educational institutions, among other facilities, should not be targeted, bombed, or destroyed by the Israeli occupying forces, and there is a necessity to protect cultural property from the dangers of war on the heritage and civilization of peoples."