British News Agency

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized excavation and earthworks that it said were being carried out by Israeli authorities at the archaeological site in the West Bank town of Sebastia.

In its statement, the ministry alleged that heavy machinery had been brought to the area around the Roman-era amphitheater, excavation work had been carried out and archaeological features had been disturbed. It also claimed that signs bearing the words “Samaria Park” had been installed in the area and that some archaeological artifacts had been stolen.

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs argued that these activities violate international law and conventions concerning the protection of cultural heritage. The ministry recalled that Sebastia had been included by UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

The statement called on UNESCO, the World Heritage Committee, international organizations and the international community to halt excavation, earthworks and interventions at the archaeological site, protect the area and safeguard its cultural heritage.