Sebastian Usher

Israeli authorities are expropriating approximately 182 hectares around Sebastia in the occupied West Bank to create and expand a national park, while Palestinian landowners and local officials fear losing their farms, businesses and connection to the archaeological site. UNESCO has placed Sebastia on its World Heritage in Danger list and warned that the planned Samaria park could divide the site. Critics, including Israeli groups Emek Shave and Peace Now, argue that archaeology is being used to consolidate Israeli control and support settlement expansion without consulting Palestinian residents. Israel says it is responsible for protecting the area’s archaeological heritage, while Foreign Minister Gideon Saar rejects UNESCO’s intervention as an attempt to diminish Jewish ties to the West Bank. Similar expropriation is taking place near Herodium, amid efforts by Israel’s far-right government to expand state authority over West Bank archaeological sites.

Palestinian officials say Israeli settlers attacked villages in the occupied West Bank, setting fire to two mosques, cars and agricultural land, vandalising property and painting revenge slogans. The attacks followed a deadly clash near Tal that killed four Palestinians and two Israelis. Residents described arson, stone-throwing and injuries, while the Israeli military said it was investigating nationalist crimes and carried out raids and more than 130 arrests. The report links rising settler violence to the expansion and legalisation of Israeli outposts under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, amid continuing international condemnation and worsening Israeli-Palestinian tensions.