Gaza construction threatens site of Byzantine church
A construction project has bulldozed the remains of a Byzantine church, angering Gaza’s Christians, archaeologists and historians.
Despite the fact that six years have passed since the discovery of a church dating back to the Byzantine era, specifically to the sixth century, a state of anger and indignation continues to reign among researchers and experts about this great discovery in central Gaza City, amid Hamas’ ongoing encroachments on the relics.
These researchers have called on UNESCO to cooperate with them in the search and preservation of Gaza’s antiquities.
In 2016, the remains of a Byzantine church were found during the construction works of a huge commercial building belonging to the Hamas government in Palestine Square in central Gaza City.
The unearthed church dates back about 1,500 years (395-636). The construction workers found large marble columns, 3 meters (10 feet) long, carved with inscriptions, as well as column bases, a Greek cross with equal arms and 15 artifacts belonging to the Byzantine era.
