PEN write
PEN America is outraged by images of an Israeli soldier setting fire to books in a library in Gaza. Book burning and the destruction of libraries infringe on the human right to access and enjoy cultural heritage which is guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These rights are an expression of and a requisite of human dignity.
PEN America notes comments from the Israeli military that this incident is being investigated and calls on the Israeli government to take all steps to protect Palestinian cultural heritage and infrastructure in Gaza.
The Times of Israel
Military Police opens probe after soldiers filmed themselves burning a Quran and other books in Gaza
The IDF Military Police is investigating incidents in which soldiers filmed themselves burning books, including a Quran, during operations in the Gaza Strip.
Footage of the book burnings were taken by the soldiers, uploaded to social media, and later recirculated by Palestinian accounts.
One video, reportedly taken in the Rafah area, showed a soldier holding a Quran before tossing it into a fire.
[@tamerqdh] unveils alarming footage depicting Israeli soldiers burning Quran book within a mosque in Gaza.
The video captures a soldier tossing the Quran into flames as the mosque is set ablaze. pic.twitter.com/qTuYZ0rejm
— Younis Tirawi | ???? (@ytirawi) May 21, 2024
