The Israeli army has destroyed or severely damaged 206 archaeological and heritage sites in Gaza, according to Palestinian official Ismail Thawabteh.

The sites, which include ancient landmarks like the Great Omari Mosque, Byzantine Church in Jabalia, and the Al-Saqqa House, span from the Phoenician and Roman eras to more recent ones, some over 400 years old.

Thawabteh claims this destruction is part of a systematic effort to erase Palestinian identity and culture, Anadolu Agency has reported.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has led to widespread casualties and destruction, has drawn significant international condemnation, with Israel facing charges of war crimes and genocide.

Written by B.C. Begley