The Palestinian Ministry of Culture has approved the writing and publication of 250 new books by authors from the Gaza Strip since the start of this year, Safa news agency reported on Tuesday. A total of 4,312 books by Gaza-based authors have been approved by the ministry since 2010.
The Director of the ministry’s Library and Document Department, Mohamed Al-Sharif, pointed out that the number of such books has increased despite the strict siege and harsh living conditions which hamper the work of publishers and authors alike.
Approval from the ministry is obtained by completing a free online application form and submitting two previews by specialists on the topic covered. Once published, 10 copies of the book have to be placed within the Palestinian National Library.