2025-04-14

Under the patronage and in the presence of French President Emmanuel Macron, Palestinian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Hani Al-Hayek, Palestinian Ambassador to France Hala Abu Hasira, several French government ministers, and members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the French Republic, the exhibition “Treasures Rescued from Gaza: 5,000 Years of History” opened in Paris, organized by the Arab World Institute in Paris.

Al-Hayek emphasized that this exceptional exhibition, held at this time, highlights the rich and ancient heritage of Palestine, particularly the city of Gaza, through an exceptional collection of artifacts that tell a history spanning thousands of years. It is a message of resilience and steadfastness, affirming that our national cultural identity is firmly rooted and that the Palestinian people's presence is deeply embedded in this land. Gaza, this ancient city, has historically been a meeting point of civilizations and a center of human creativity, which remains alive in its monuments and historical landmarks.

Al-Hayek stated in his address; We are here today to draw your attention to the painful reality in the Gaza Strip, which has been and continues to be a victim of repeated Israeli military aggression and the perpetration of the most heinous crimes, resulting in immense destruction affecting both people and property.

The Israeli military aggression targeting Gaza has not been limited to loss of life and human suffering, but has also targeted tangible cultural heritage. Archaeological sites and historical buildings that bear witness to a civilization that has flourished in this land have been destroyed, in a direct manifestation of the crime of cultural genocide and an attempt to erase identity and obliterate the historical narrative of a people with deep roots in this land.

Minister Al-Hayek thanked the French Republic, saying: “We express our deep appreciation to the French Republic for its continued support in protecting cultural heritage, and we value its positions calling for respect for and protection of Palestinian heritage. We also value the ongoing French-Palestinian cooperation in the field of archaeological excavations, particularly at the site of the Monastery of Saint Hilarion in Gaza, and France’s support for international efforts aimed at combating the illicit trafficking of cultural property.”

In closing, Minister Al-Hayek addressed the French President, saying: Your Excellency, the Palestinian people are following with great interest your statement regarding the possibility of France recognizing the State of Palestine. This statement represents a glimmer of hope and reflects a significant shift in European political discourse towards the rights of the Palestinian people, which we consider an important step towards achieving justice and dignity for our people. We hope that this direction will be translated into concrete steps on the international stage that uphold the Palestinian right to self-determination and to live in freedom and peace in their independent state. In this regard, we reaffirm the position of the Palestine Liberation Organization, under the leadership of President Mahmoud Abbas, and the Palestinian government, of the absolute rejection of the displacement of the Palestinian people. We also emphasize the necessity of implementing the Arab plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, as approved by the recent emergency Arab Summit. The Palestinian government is prepared to assume full responsibility for providing relief to our people and for reconstruction efforts, relying on the efforts of our youth and international partners. Furthermore, we stress the need to halt the Israeli aggression against our cities and camps in the northern West Bank, and to stop Israeli settlement activity and unilateral practices that undermine the two-state solution, which we remain committed to as the only way to achieve peace and security for both peoples and for the region.

For her part, the Palestinian Ambassador to France, Hala Abu Hasira, emphasized the importance of this exhibition in highlighting the significance of the Palestinian people's history, which stretches back thousands of years on their land. She stated that these rare artifacts represent the Palestinian people, stressing the need to push for an immediate ceasefire and to protect the Palestinian people from the ongoing Israeli aggression against them. She also expressed her gratitude to the French Republic, its government, and its people for their official and popular support of the Palestinian right to establish a Palestinian state.

The exhibition sheds light on the fate of artifacts that embody the rich history of the Palestinian territories.