Israel accused of weaponising archaeology at ancient West Bank sites
Summary
Israeli authorities are taking control of land near the ancient archaeological site of Sebastia in the occupied West Bank to create a national park. Palestinian residents and the United Nations agency Unesco have raised concerns that this move threatens the local community’s access, heritage, and lands.Key Facts
- About 450 acres of Palestinian-owned land near Sebastia are being taken by Israeli authorities to develop a new national park.
- Palestinian owners often receive little or no payment for such land seizures and usually refuse compensation as they want to keep their land.
- The site includes ruins from many historical periods, including ancient Jewish, Roman, Crusader, and Ottoman eras.
- Unesco recently added Sebastia to its List of World Heritage in Danger due to threats from planned expropriation and park development.
- The site is split between Area B (shared Palestinian civil and Israeli security control) and Area C (full Israeli control).
- The Palestinian community fears losing access to their lands and businesses, such as a local restaurant under threat of demolition.
- Israeli authorities began restoration and excavation work without consulting local Palestinian residents or leadership.
- Israeli funding of about 113 million shekels (around £27.8 million) has been allocated for expanding control over archaeological sites in the West Bank.
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