The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor warned that the wide-scale Israeli assault on Gaza City—which has included the bombing of historic neighborhoods, houses of worship, libraries, museums, archives, cemeteries, old houses, ancient markets, and the surrounding urban fabric—threatens to erase what remains of its archaeological landmarks.

The Monitor stated that, as of 18 August 2025, UNESCO had managed to document and assess damage to 110 sites in Gaza since 7 October 2023. It pointed out that the old quarters of the city, rich with historic homes and archaeological landmarks, are now at risk of total disappearance. Some have already been extensively destroyed, while others have suffered severe damage.

The Monitor called on the United Nations and UNESCO to act immediately to place the threatened sites under emergency international protection lists, and urged the International Criminal Court to include these crimes in its ongoing investigation into the situation in Palestine.