Palestinian Site of Sebastia Gains UNESCO Status

Palestinian officials welcomed UNESCO's decision to enter the archaeological site of Sebastia in the occupied West Bank on both the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger.

They believe this step will help prevent the expansion of Israeli control over the historic site. Sebastia is one of the region's most significant archaeological sites, with a history spanning from the ancient Kingdom of Israel through the Roman, Byzantine and Islamic periods to the Crusaders and the Ottoman Empire.

Palestinian officials claim that Israel plans to confiscate approximately 445 acres of land in order to expand its control over the site.

Israel, on the other hand, criticized UNESCO's decision as politically motivated and rejected claims that it calls into question Jewish historical ties to the territory.

The Palestinian Authority also expressed concern over proposed Israeli legislation that would extend Israeli civil administration over archaeological sites in the West Bank.

(Reuters, mja)