Israel Seizes Palestinian Land for Archaeological Park Development

In the hills overlooking the ancient Roman ruins of Sebastia in the occupied West Bank lie olive groves that Palestinian families have cultivated for generations.

One landowner, Abu Mudif, said he had received notice that his land falls within an area of around 450 hectares being taken over by Israeli authorities. The seizure is part of a plan to develop the area into a vast new national park.

According to a BBC report, Palestinian landowners typically receive little or no compensation when their land is confiscated. When compensation is offered, many residents refuse it. They regard accepting compensation as a form of acknowledgement and approval of the loss of land that is an integral part of their heritage.

The land is a vital source of income for Abu Mudif. But for him, the impact of the seizure goes far beyond economic matters. “If I had to describe it, the closest explanation is like your soul being forcibly ripped out. I cannot imagine myself without this land,” he told the BBC.

Nahed Sakha, a local restaurant owner facing demolition, said the Israeli scheme aims to cut off Palestinian access to the archaeological site. The historic site bears traces of Roman, Crusader and Ottoman civilisations.

“Restoration work has now begun alongside the excavations,” Sakha said. “Landowners have been told that no one is permitted to use or cultivate their land.”

The concerns of villagers around Sebastia have also drawn the attention of UNESCO, the UN’s cultural and educational body. UNESCO has now not only designated Sebastia as a World Heritage Site, but has also placed it on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

UNESCO said the main threat facing the site relates to “plans for the takeover and establishment of the ‘Samaria’ (Shomron) national park, which could divide the area.”