Israel plunders Palestinian archaeological sites
The member of the PLO Executive Committee Dr. Hanan Ashrawi has affirmed that the Israeli occupation authorities’ decision to confiscate Deir Samaan and Dei Qal’a, two important archeological sites in the Salfit area, is an act of looting and cultural appropriation.
She said in a statement sent to Syria Times e-newspaper: “It is the final step in a gradual yet deliberate scheme that has continued over nearly ten years with the intention of annexing these two sites to nearby illegal settlements.”
“Other historical sites, including Sebastia and the Battir Terraces, which is inscribed as a World Heritage site, have also been targeted recently. The systematic Israeli theft of archeological sites across Palestine is illegal and immoral,” she added.
Dr. Ashrawi made it clear that these sites stand as testament to the Palestinian people’s deep roots and history in our land. “They are part of our history and identity. That is why Israel’s systematic annexation of historic and archeological sites is the ultimate act of cruelty and aggression.”
She asserted that Israel’s colonial regime strives to systematically usurp Palestinian archeological sites, as part of its drive to colonize Palestinian land and replace the Palestinian people.
“In addition to assaulting the Palestinian people’s present and hijacking their future, this regime wants to confiscate our collective past and historical narrative,” she stated.
The PLO official went on to say: “As the Trump administration employs its political and economic weight to extort international political rewards for Israel, the Israeli government is accelerating its systematic and willful annexation of Palestinian land, resources, and cultural heritage.”
She called on States and international organizations, especially UNESCO, to intervene to put an end to such plunder, pointing out that ignoring these destructive acts will not diminish their strategic impact on Palestinian rights.
Basma Qaddour