UNESCO adds Sebastian to World Heritage List

UNESCO has added the ancient site of Sebastian, near Nablus in the occupied West Bank, to its World Heritage List and to its list of World Heritage in danger. The decision has been welcomed by Palestinian officials and condemned by Israel's foreign minister as an attempt to change history.

The move brings into sharper focus a long-running dispute over archaeology and land in the West Bank. Israel has recently expropriated Palestinian land to develop two ancient sites, including Sebastian and Herodium, a hilltop palace built by King Herod more than 2,000 years ago. Palestinians say archaeology is being used to deepen Israeli control of the territory. Israel says it is protecting and preserving its heritage.

In the hills above Sebastian, olive fields have been cultivated for generations by Palestinian families. One landowner said he had been told Israeli authorities were seizing his land to protect and develop the site into a major national park. "Every tree has received more of my attention than my children," he said. "It's like having your soul ripped away." Local businesses are already suffering, with a restaurant closed and another owner said to be coming in only for something to do. Restoration work and excavations have begun, and landowners were told no one would be allowed to use or plough their land. Local activists say Israel bypassed consultation with the local administration and residents.

Further south, at Herodium, Israel has begun to expropriate around 80 acres for what it says is preservation and development. Israelis with a close connection to the site argue that archaeologists need to oversee and protect places of such significance. One said that without proper oversight, looters with metal detectors could strip the site of its artefacts.

Some Israeli politicians want to go further. Earlier this year, a law was proposed that would give the Israeli Heritage Ministry sweeping powers to take control of land for archaeological reasons across the entire West Bank. That law is now on hold as elections loom. But even with that reprieve and the UNESCO intervention, the Palestinians of Sebastian fear their close connection with the ruins is in danger of being lost.