Al-Hayek on Nakba Day: Palestinian archaeological sites constitute national identity

Hebron – Ma’an – Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Hani Al-Hayek stressed on Nakba Day the importance of the archaeological sites that Palestine possesses, especially in Palestinian villages and towns. This came during an inspection tour of the archaeological and historical sites in both the town of Yatta and the town of Dura, which included the ancient towns and a number of shrines and archaeological sites.

Al-Hayek stressed that these sites, and the history and symbolism they represent, constitute an important part of the Palestinian national identity and are the best witness to the steadfastness of our Palestinian people on their land, who yearn for freedom and salvation from occupation.

Hayek indicated that the President, with his wisdom and vision, will be able to accomplish our national project and establish our Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, in addition to the Palestinian government’s program and the Prime Minister’s directives to be present among our people in all locations and f
ields with the aim of alleviating their ongoing suffering due to the occupation.

The Minister of Tourism and Antiquities began his tour by meeting with the mayor of Yatta, Muhammad Al-Shawahin, and members of the municipal council, in the presence of the secretary of the Fatah region, Nabil Abu Qubaita, and engineer Rashid Awad, director general of local government in the Hebron governorate, and the heads of neighboring local bodies and representatives of civil society institutions, where each of them was briefed on the situation. The current tour included the old town in Yatta, and Al-Hayek also visited the municipality of Dura.

He met with the mayor, Muhannad Omar, and a number of members of the municipal council and representatives of the town. The tour included the old town, the Dura Museum, the site of Bir al-Wad, the shrine of the Prophet Noah, and the shrine of the Abid.

Source: Maan News Agency