The Organization of Islamic Cooperation documents the increasing incursions by settlers into archaeological sites in Palestinian territories.
Rising Incursions by Settlers into Archaeological Sites in the West Bank
The Media Observatory of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has documented a significant increase in settler incursions into archaeological sites across various regions of the West Bank. This trend particularly intensified during the last week of December 2024, coinciding with the Jewish festival known as “Hanukkah.” Settlers performed their rituals at archaeological sites in Jericho and the Jordan Valley, which ranks as the second most affected Palestinian governorate after occupied Jerusalem.
Notable Incidents of Settler Activity
On December 26, 2024, settlers entered the area surrounding the Herod’s Palace in Jericho, where they set fire to the archaeological site under the pretext of conducting “Talmudic” rituals. The following day, other settlers invaded the Ma’in archaeological site east of Yatta in Hebron, where they erected a “menorah” and performed their religious ceremonies. Additionally, some settlers placed a “Hanukkah menorah” at the ancient Diokos Castle on Mount Qurantal in Jericho. On August 14, 2024, Israeli authorities intensified their incursions into the archaeological area of Al-Masoudiya near Nablus.
Restrictions on Palestinian Farmers
On January 10, 2025, Israeli occupation forces prevented Palestinian farmers from plowing their lands in the Um al-Qaba plain in the northern Jordan Valley. This incident reflects ongoing Israeli plans to control these areas and impose economic restrictions on the local Palestinian population.
Israeli Exploitation of Archaeological Sites
According to a report from the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Israel has been using archaeological sites in the West Bank to assert its claim over the land. The ministry indicates that Israel’s efforts to control these sites align with its broader ambitions to annex the West Bank. Since 1967, Israel has focused its archaeological excavations on sites such as Abu al-Alaik Mounds in Jericho, Herod’s Winter Palace, and other significant locations.
Legislative Proposals to Control Archaeological Sites
In a legislative proposal, Likud member Amit Halevi called for amendments to the Israeli Antiquities Authority Law, titled “Amendment of the Israeli Antiquities Authority in Judea and Samaria 2023.” This proposal seeks to apply Israeli antiquities laws to the West Bank, placing these sites under the jurisdiction of the Israeli Antiquities Authority. On July 7, 2024, a ministerial committee in the Israeli government approved Halevi’s proposals, which later evolved into a military order to seize Palestinian archaeological sites in Sebastia. This decision was justified by claims that “alleged Jewish antiquities in the West Bank are being vandalized by Palestinians.”
International Concerns and Warnings
On July 15, 2023, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned against Israel’s plans to control Palestinian archaeological sites. The ministry urged UNESCO to take responsibility for this issue, noting that Israeli settlement organizations often seize these sites, preventing Palestinian access.
Historical Significance of Targeted Areas
Jericho, the southern Jordan Valley, eastern Tubas, and the Dead Sea region are among the historically significant areas targeted by Israel. The Israeli control over these archaeological sites extends into religious claims, as the occupation seeks to associate Palestinian religious sites with Jewish heritage. This strategy often involves integrating these sites into the Israeli Nature Protection Authority under the guise of environmental conservation or establishing military observation towers, as seen in the case of the Prophet Yaqin shrine in Bani Na’im.
Strategic Importance of Jericho
The settlement project in Jericho is distinct from other Israeli settlement projects due to its economic, agricultural, and tourism significance. Jericho’s strategic location near the Jordanian border makes it a vital security buffer zone. Israel values Jericho’s historical context, which explains its aggressive efforts to dominate archaeological sites in the area.
Demographics and Settler Presence
Observers note that Israel’s focus on Jericho stems from its relatively low Palestinian population density, making it a more accessible target. Currently, approximately 53,000 Palestinians reside in Jericho, along with 12 communities. The governorate is home to 16 major Israeli settlements and five outposts, housing around 8,500 settlers.
In conclusion, the ongoing incursions by settlers into archaeological sites in the West Bank raise significant concerns about cultural heritage, local livelihoods, and the broader implications for Israeli-Palestinian relations. The situation continues to evolve, drawing attention from international observers and organizations advocating for the protection of Palestinian heritage.
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