Israel Designates Gaza Envelope Shelters as 'Antiquities'

Israel's Minister of Heritage, Amichai Eliyahu, announced on Wednesday that the "migoniyot" (protected shelters) in the Gaza Envelope, which became sites of combat, hiding, and bravery during the October 7th massacre, will be officially recognized as historical heritage sites. This designation will grant the structures legal protection and prevent their removal, repainting, or alteration. The decision follows extensive work by the Ministry of Heritage and appeals from dozens of bereaved families and former hostages. Among the shelters included in this declaration is the one belonging to the late Anar Shapira.

The Ministry of Heritage stated that the move aims to preserve the remaining evidence on these structures, preventing actions that could erase them. This initiative was prompted by a previous incident two years prior, in January, when Netivei Israel (Israel's National Roads Company) repainted the interiors of several shelters, obscuring chilling evidence of the massacre, such as shrapnel marks, bullet holes, and memorial inscriptions. That event sparked significant public outcry from survivors and their families.

Although the Antiquities Law typically applies to ancient findings, it allows the responsible minister to declare later assets as "antiquities" if they hold national historical value. Minister Eliyahu invoked this authority to provide protected status to the shelters, requiring professional approval for any modifications. "Our duty is to ensure that the stories of heroism are not erased," Eliyahu stated, emphasizing the importance of preserving these sites as direct testaments to the events and the spirit of resilience shown during the October 7th attacks. The designation does not alter ownership but imposes a preservation regime, mandating coordination with the Antiquities Authority and the Ministry of Heritage for any physical changes.