Palestinian Leaders Seek Stoppage Of Israeli Project In West Bank Archaeological Site

Palestinian leaders are urging the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to intervene and prevent Israel's settlement project in the ancient and historic site of Sebastia in the occupied West Bank.

Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh called on the UNESCO agency to take action during a cabinet meeting.

He cited concerns that the Israeli settlement project would cause significant damage to the area's historical site, which dates back to the Hellenistic and Roman eras.

Sebastia Mayor Mohammad Azem also expressed worry about the Israeli project, noting that it aimed to turn the archaeological site into a park and included building a road, carrying out digging works, and establishing electricity networks that would alter the historic character of the region.

The Israeli settlement project near the village of Sebastia has sparked outrage among Palestinian leaders.

The ancient site is significant to the history of the region, and many are concerned that the Israeli project will result in the destruction of important archaeological artefacts and the desecration of the site's cultural significance.