Culture as a bridge to peace and self-identity is at the heart of the Palestinian Authorities’ efforts, recognizing cultural heritage and sustainable tourism as invaluable assets. With Italy’s unique expertise in this field, we have enthusiastically responded to this call, supporting projects that celebrate and preserve Palestinian cultural heritage.In 2023, we launched a collaborative project with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, UNESCO Ramallah, and Sapienza University to enhance the archaeological site of Tell El Sultan. This project was crucial in the inclusion of the Ancient Jericho/Tel el-Sultan site in the UNESCO World Heritage list, achieved the same year.
But our efforts don’t stop there. We are working to protect the unique landscape of Battir and restore historic buildings within the Bethlehem Psychiatric Hospital complex, which will become spaces for a social cooperative run by the patients themselves.
Reconstruction in the Gaza Strip is another key area of our intervention. The 2014 military attacks devastated residential areas, destroying 11,000 homes and severely damaging 6,800, forcing about 100,000 people to flee.
In response to the commitment made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation during the Cairo Conference in 2014, AICS Jerusalem launched an ambitious reconstruction project. This includes renovating 280 housing units through the self-help program and rebuilding the Al Nada neighborhood. In 2023, we completed the reconstruction of Al Nada and are nearing completion of the Al Awal complex in Gaza City. With a funding of 16 million euros, we’ve restored dignified homes to over 400 families and created new social spaces.
Additionally, work continues on the Central Desalination Plant (GCDP) in the Gaza Strip, a project funded by a World Bank trust fund with an Italian contribution of 8 million euros. This facility is essential for providing potable water to Gaza’s population.
Italy stands by Palestine, promoting culture and contributing to reconstruction efforts to build a brighter and more sustainable future.
Tell El Sultan archaeological site
The Al Nada neighborhood