Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and Iran have all suffered massive cultural heritage destruction in recent conflicts, with 148 sites damaged in Ukraine alone in August. The International Criminal Court has successfully prosecuted only one case of cultural destruction despite strong legal frameworks like the 1954 Hague Convention.
Cultural Heritage Under Fire: Why War Crimes Against History Go Unpunished
The destruction of cultural sites has caused psychological trauma to communities and displaced populations; in Gaza, tens of thousands have died alongside destruction of 200,000 buildings; archaeologist Khaled al-Asaad was tortured and beheaded by ISIS for refusing to reveal hidden artifacts.