Doha, May 08 (QNA) - HE Palestinian Minister of Culture Imad Abdullah Hamdan affirmed that despite the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people, Palestinian cultural identity will remain present and influential both locally and internationally.

In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the sidelines of his visit to Doha, where he is attending the opening of the 34th Doha International Book Fair, which launched Thursday, His Excellency said that Palestinian culture intersects with all other sectors, facing genocide alongside them and is not isolated from the broader impact of the ongoing war in Palestine.

He added that culture is arguably the most affected and most influential sector in these circumstances, yet emphasized that despite everything, they affirm that culture will always express their identity and deep-rooted connection to it is essential and irreplaceable.

Regarding Palestine’s participation as the guest of honor at the Doha International Book Fair, HE Hamdan told reporters that this selection came by Qatar and their participation in the fair reflects Qatar’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause across all levels, particularly in cultural spaces. It is a great honor and source of pride for the Palestinian people.

He expressed his gratitude for this initiative, which demonstrates the deep cultural and fraternal ties between Qatar and Palestine. He stressed that Palestine’s presence in this international cultural event, despite its suffering and ongoing aggression, sends a clear message that Palestinian culture will remain strong and active even in the darkest times, and the Palestinian people will continue to uphold their cultural identity as an integral part of their historical existence.

He further noted that the participation of 11 Palestinian publishers in this edition of the fair, along with a distinguished group of writers and intellectuals in its accompanying events, reflects the vitality of the Palestinian cultural scene. He emphasized that culture symbolizes resilience and serves as a form of soft power, reinforcing its ability to endure and regenerate.

Addressing the efforts of the Palestinian Ministry of Culture to safeguard Palestinian heritage amid ongoing Israeli aggression, His Excellency stated that Palestinian heritage, both tangible and intangible, is a cornerstone of national identity.

He explained that the ministry is working to register key elements of Palestinian heritage, such as embroidery, Nablus soap, and the traditional Dabka dance, in the world heritage lists of UNESCO, ICESCO, and other international organizations, to protect and document them against erasure, theft, and falsification.

He highlighted ongoing efforts to document cultural and heritage sites in Gaza, especially those destroyed in the war, through the preservation of photographs, records, and videos.

He pointed out that sites that were not previously documented have suffered the greatest damage, reinforcing the importance of prior registration to safeguard Palestine’s cultural memory.

He underscored that despite the immense challenges, Palestinian culture will remain a living voice, reflecting the heartbeat of the Palestinian people and their deep-rooted history on the global stage.

Palestine is the guest of honor at the 34th Doha International Book Fair, which continues until May 17. This marks the first time that 11 Palestinian publishers are participating, among 522 publishers from 43 countries in this edition of the fair. (QNA)