Conference at QNL Condemns Israeli Occupation's Destruction of Cultural Institutions, Heritage Sites in Gaza

Doha: Participants in the 4th edition of the Doha Conference on Combating the Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property condemned the Israeli occupatio...

Doha: Participants in the 4th edition of the Doha Conference on Combating the Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property condemned the Israeli occupation's destruction of cultural institutions and heritage sites in Gaza, Palestine.

This came during the launch of the conference organized by Qatar National Library (QNL) and attended by international experts, policymakers, and government officials to enhance institutional readiness and strengthen global cooperation in safeguarding cultural heritage during times of crisis.

It was held under the theme "Crisis Preparedness and Cultural Heritage Protection: from Prevention to Recovery.”

In his opening remarks, Minister of State and President of QNL HE Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al-Kawari stated: "The Fourth Doha Conference on Combating the Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property is not merely a platform for dialogue; it is a call to intensify regional and international cooperation, to unite the efforts of institutions and global partners, and to activate practical programs such as Himaya, launched by the Library to fight the illicit trade in cultural heritage and to build the capacity of institutions in confronting the challenges that threaten the identity and collective memory of nations. Protecting heritage is a shared responsibility and a moral and human duty that safeguards the identity of peoples, supports the stability of societies, and builds bridges of dialogue between civilizations.”