Gaza's Ministry of Tourism struggles to preserve St Hilarion Monastery

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St Hilarion Monastery is located 15 km from Gaza city, and three km from the Nusseirat refugee camp. It is 500m inland and rises about 22m above sea level. It dates back to 329 AD at the time of St Hilarion, when he returned from Egypt to his village Tabatha (in southern Gaza), after studying under Saint Anthony, in Egypt.

The monastery consists of several structures surrounded by an outer wall, including two churches, a burial site, a baptism hall, a public cemetery, an audience hall and dining rooms. Coffins of monks have also been found on the site but are in dire need of preservation.

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The Ministry of Tourism in Gaza is unable to take the necessary steps needed to preserve the archaeological site due to the ongoing blockade.
Archaeological experts and scientists have been unable to enter freely and carry out the much needed research and exploration. Moreover, the materials and equipment needed for excavating and preserving artifacts are in severe shortage. The Ministry of Tourism, which oversees the site, has begun work, but progress to maintain this historically important site in Palestine is greatly hindered by Israel’s illegal blockade.

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MEMO Photographer: Mohammed Asad