The municipality of Khan Yunis, located south of the Gaza Strip, recently initiated efforts to restore the historic Barquq Castle, which has substantial archaeological and historical significance. This restoration project, undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Antiquities, focuses on removing rubble from the castle’s vicinity. During the recent military operations by Israeli forces, primarily from December 2023 to April 2024, the castle was subjected to intense aerial and artillery strikes, which led to the destruction of several sections, especially its eastern wall.
Situated at the center of Khan Yunis, Barquq Castle dates back to 1387 AD, built by Prince Yunis bin Abdullah Al-Nourzi Al-Dawadar upon the orders of Sultan Abi Saeed Barquq, one of the prominent sultans of the Mamluk era. Throughout centuries, the castle served as both lodging for travelers and a strategic point along the trade routes between Damascus and Cairo. It was not just a historical landmark but also facilitated trade and commerce by offering shelter to merchants traveling between these two cities.
Jamal Abu Reda, the Director General of the Department of Antiquities within the Gaza Ministry of Tourism, highlighted the targeting of the castle during military operations, stating, "The initial documentation by the ministry proves the occupation deliberately targeted the castle and destroyed its surroundings since the first days of the ground operation affecting Khan Yunis." Abu Reda stressed the importance of these preservation efforts, pointing out, "Targeting the castle was not an unintentional act but came within the framework of Israeli attempts to obliterate Palestinian history and steal national identity."
Beyond the castle, recent violence has shed light on the deteriorative conditions faced by civilians. On March 15, 2025, the Governmental Media Office condemned what it characterized as a "heinous massacre" committed by the Israeli army against civilians, including humanitarian workers and journalists documenting relief efforts in the town of Beit Lahia. The attack resulted in the death of nine individuals, sparking outrage and calls for international accountability.
According to the statement from the Governmental Media Office, this tragedy reflects the continued escalation of war crimes perpetrated against the Palestinian population. It remarked, "We see this crime as part of the war crimes committed by the occupation against our people, especially as it coincided with perceived orders to escalate military actions from higher Israeli political levels." This assertion strongly criticizes Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s approach, which the statement describes as continuing wartime aggressions against civilians.
The office also emphasized the innocence of the targeted individuals, affirming, "We reject all allegations promoted by the occupation, and we confirm the targeted personnel was entirely civilian, working within the area housing humanitarian services." The Israeli military's actions are detailed as reckless and indiscriminate as they led to countless civilian deaths, including children, since the recent ceasefire agreement began.
Compounded by these aggressive tactics, the attacks on key cultural landmarks—such as Barquq Castle—further highlight the ramifications of the continuing conflict on both the historical identity and basic humanity within the region. Authorities assert the importance of international intervention to stop offenses against civilians and cultural sites. There have been severe consequences for historical sites across Gaza, such as the total destruction of significant museums and numerous historical mosques.
The frequent assaults against civilian positions coupled with cultural heritage sites signal deep-seated issues and violations of international laws, particularly the 1954 Hague Convention, which aims to safeguard cultural properties during armed conflicts. The historical significance of Barquq Castle, located strategically and architecturally, is overshadowed by its condition post-conflict and the relentless pace of atrocities inflicted on innocent lives.
Both the restoration of Barquq Castle and the tragic circumstances surrounding the Beit Lahia massacre reveal the narrative of conflict, resistance, and perseverance within the region. They invite calls for serious international discourse and commitment to uphold laws protecting cultural integrity and human life. The attention these events garner might compel stakeholders to act in the face of overwhelming humanitarian and historical loss, igniting discussions but potentially spurring broader actions.
The future of Barquq Castle, wrapped deeply within the hearts of Khan Yunis residents, relies on stable conditions allowing for international expertise to aid restoration efforts, providing hope not only for historical remembrance but also for the embodiment of resilience against continuous oppression and violence. Activists, historians, and global citizens must remain cognizant, advocating for justice within this fraught terrain as the tales of both Barquq Castle and its impacted community cleave closer together.