Palestinian Archaeologist Highlights Urgent Need to Protect Cultural Heritage in Nature

Dr. Loay Abu Alsaud, Associate Professor of Archaeology at An-Najah National University in Nablus, has contributed a compelling letter to the latest issue of the international journal Nature, drawing attention to the escalating destruction of archaeological sites across the Palestinian territories.

In the letter, published in the Correspondence section of the 7 August 2025 issue, Dr. Abu Alsaud reports that 226 of the 316 documented archaeological sites in the Gaza Strip have been damaged, many of them severely. He also notes that heritage sites in the West Bank—such as Khirbet Qila, a significant Middle Bronze Age center—are increasingly endangered due to uncontrolled digging, the search for antiquities with heavy machinery, and the expanding black-market trade in artifacts.

Dr. Abu Alsaud stresses that these archaeological sites hold immense historical and cultural value, representing thousands of years of human civilization in Palestine. He calls for stronger international engagement, particularly from UNESCO and global heritage organizations, to support local efforts in monitoring, documenting, and conserving endangered sites.

He highlights the need for improved field reporting, enhanced academic collaboration, and increased advocacy to raise global awareness about the threats facing Palestinian cultural heritage. Dr. Abu Alsaud also emphasizes the role of the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in leading these efforts, urging the development of long-term strategies to protect the region’s history.

The publication of this letter in Nature amplifies the call to action, placing the issue of Palestinian heritage preservation on one of the world’s most influential scientific platforms. It underscores the critical importance of safeguarding archaeological sites that form an essential part of Palestine’s historical identity.

العنوان

Loay

الناشر

An-Najah National University

بلد الناشر

فلسطين

Indexing

Thomson Reuters

معامل التأثير

48,0

نوع المنشور

Both (Printed and Online)

المجلد

41

السنة

2025

الصفحات

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