UNESCO and Gaza Strip activists have expressed major concerns over construction work planned to take place over the remains of the ancient port-city of Anthedon, along the coast of Gaza, Palestine.

Reports from the al-Monitor website state that the work threatening the monuments is commissioned by Hamas, as its armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam brigade, is intended to build a new military installation in the area. According to eye witnesses, construction work has already started with bulldozers operating close to the area where remains of the 3,000-year old city of Anthedon have been located in the form of mosaics and pillars from the Roman and Byzantine periods. Hamas officials have ensured that the work concerns a limited area and they have stated that major attention will be paid so as not to damage archaeological material.