Gaza: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Nablus Governorate, and the Municipality of Sebastia, organized a field tour for the diplomatic corps accredited to the State of Palestine. This initiative aimed to showcase the archaeological site in Sebastia and support its nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage List. The tour also intended to highlight violations by Israeli occupation authorities that threaten the site's historical and cultural essence.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the visit coincided with an incident where Israeli occupation forces and colonists stormed the site, underscoring the ongoing assaults on the town and its heritage. The event was attended by several ambassadors and representatives, including Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Hani Al-Hayek, Nablus Governor Ghassan Daghlas, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs Ambassador Omar Awadallah, and Sebastia Mayor Mohammad Azem.
During the tour, participants were informed about the site's significance and efforts to protect it. The Minister of Tourism and Antiquities highlighted the illegal measures by Israeli authorities that hinder Palestinian preservation efforts. He reiterated the ministry's commitment, in coordination with national and international bodies, to advance Sebastia's nomination to UNESCO.
Nablus Governor Ghassan Daghlas called on the international community to take action against the violations by Israeli authorities. He emphasized the importance of protecting Palestinian cultural heritage from ongoing attacks.
Deputy Minister Omar Awadallah detailed Israel's systematic policies against Palestinian land and heritage, using Sebastia as a case in point. He stressed the diplomatic efforts by Palestine to garner regional and international support for Sebastia's UNESCO bid.
Sebastia Mayor Mohammad Azem praised the collaborative efforts in preparing the nomination file, highlighting its importance in protecting the site and preserving its heritage.
The tour concluded with visits to key facilities at the archaeological site, where the delegation was further briefed on the site's universal value and the rationale behind its UNESCO nomination.