Palestine accuses Israel of stealing artifacts in Sebastia
Palestine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has accused Israel of stealing artifacts from the Sebastia archaeological site in the northern occupied West Bank. The ministry said such actions were allegedly aimed at altering the site’s features and historical identity.
As Anadolu Agency reports, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry claims that Israeli authorities are carrying out excavations and clearing work in Sebastia. According to the ministry, heavy machinery was brought to the area of the Roman theater, and part of the site is being excavated.
“Samaria Park” signs
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry also said that signs bearing the name “Samaria Park” were installed on the territory of the archaeological complex. The ministry described these actions as a gross violation of international law and an attempt to annex the occupied West Bank and impose “colonial facts” on one of the most important sites of Palestinian heritage.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
According to the ministry’s statement, Sebastia has faced additional threats after the city was added to the List of World Heritage in Danger. The Foreign Ministry stressed that this status indicates the need for urgent protection of the site.
Call to UNESCO
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry believes that the excavations and clearing work violate Israel’s obligations as an occupying power under international humanitarian law regarding the protection of cultural property. The ministry also referred to the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and the 1972 World Heritage Convention.
The ministry called on UNESCO, the World Heritage Committee, international organizations, and the international community to take urgent measures to stop the excavations, clearing work, interference with the site, and the alleged theft of artifacts. It also demanded protection of the site’s authenticity and integrity and prevention of projects that could undermine its outstanding universal value. Sebastia is located northwest of Nablus and has one of the best-known archaeological complexes in the West Bank.
