Restored Byzantine church reopens in Gaza

A Byzantine-era church has been reopened to the public in Gaza after at least three years of restoration.

An opening ceremony was held in Jabaliya, a city in northern Gaza, marking the site’s re-opening.

The restoration work was completed successfully, Ibrahim Jaber, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Antiquities in Palestine , said.

"The church with many symbolic construction in terms of archeology is one of the most significant places in the Eastern Mediterranean," Jaber told.

Nariman Hellah, a tour guide from the ministry, said that the history of the church "dates back to the year of 444" -- to the era of Emperor Theodosius II, who ruled Byzantium from the year 408 to 450.

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