Doha: HE Minister of Culture of the State of Palestine, Imad Abdullah Hamdan affirmed Friday that Palestinian culture is being subjected to attempts at theft and extermination by the Israeli occupation, stressing the importance of defending itself against these attempts. During a seminar on the reality of Palestinian culture at the 34th Doha International Book Fair (DIBF), HE the Minister noted that despite the war of extermination that Palestine is facing in various regions, whether in Gaza or other occupied territories, the Palestinian cultural scene remains resilient.
According to Qatar News Agency, HE the Minister highlighted the ongoing efforts of writers, poets, artists, and musicians in Palestine who continue to contribute to the cultural landscape despite the challenges. He emphasized that Palestinian culture serves as a weapon of resistance, especially in the face of what he described as cultural genocide in Gaza. The Minister lamented the human losses, including intellectuals who have been martyred or wounded, and the destruction of cultural centers and heritage sites.
Despite these challenges, the Minister expressed optimism that culture in Gaza will rise again. He acknowledged the difficulties faced by the Palestinian Ministry of Culture in the Gaza Strip, but noted the ministry's efforts to support intellectuals by encouraging the publication of books and other cultural works. Some of these works, he noted, serve as testimonies of the war's impact and are being translated into multiple languages to share the Palestinian narrative globally.
HE Imad Abdullah Hamdan also mentioned various initiatives by the Ministry to support culture and intellectuals, including projects related to literature, arts, theater, and psychological rehabilitation. These initiatives aim to provide cultural resources for displaced persons and ensure the presence of a vibrant cultural scene. Additionally, the Ministry has been working to register Palestinian heritage sites with international organizations to preserve and promote Palestinian culture on a global stage.