The International Council on Archives (ICA) has learnt of the reported bombing of the Central Archives building in Gaza and the main public library, resulting in the destruction of historical documents dating back 100 years.
The ICA expresses its deep concern for the future of the archival heritage of the city of Gaza and calls upon all actors in the region, and especially the public authorities and the people responsible for military actions, to not harm any documentary or cultural heritage professionals remaining in the areas affected by the armed conflict, and to refrain from destroying documentary and cultural heritage in compliance with the 1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. Archives and records are crucial for the defence of human rights and for the rebuilding of society after the conflict and should be safeguarded by all parties.
The Universal Declaration on Archives, adopted by the ICA and endorsed by the UNESCO General Conference at its 36th session, states that archives “(…) play an essential role in the development of societies by safeguarding and contributing to individual and community memory”. Archives are an irreplaceable cultural heritage and must be protected, along with the dedicated professionals who understand their importance, organisation, and use.
With the support of its partners the ICA will monitor the situation and stands ready to offer its best assistance to the people and organizations of the archival and records management sector in the region whenever appropriate.