NABLUS, Wednesday, May 24, 2023 (WAFA) – A European delegation of 20 diplomats and peace activists today visited the northern West Bank Palestinian town of Sebastia and its ancient archeological site where they heard from the town’s mayor, Mohammad Azem, about the problems facing it, mainly its archeological site, from the Israeli occupation authorities.
European Union Representative to Palestine, Sven Kuhn von Burgsdorff, said the town of Sebastia is occupied Palestinian land in its entirety, and the Palestinians have the right to remain in it.
He said that he visited this archeological site years ago but that after all these years, the situation has become worse due to Israeli measures, stressing that Europe stands with the Palestinians in their efforts to preserve this cultural heritage.
He said that regardless of the measures, the Palestinians have the right to remain in this land.
Sebastia, he said, is Palestinian land, and Israel, according to international law, is obliged not to take any action contrary to the law, noting that any Israeli measures and plans in it are in violation of international law.
Azem stressed that the violations by the Israeli occupation forces and settlers aim to Judaize and seize the archaeological area and that the daily barbaric attacks would increase the suffering of the town residents.
He said that he recorded four attacks by settlers yesterday that affected residents, including seizing equipment and burning crops. He called for international protection and standing up to the occupation’s plans to seize the archaeological site and change its features in violation of international laws.
The delegation also visited the neighboring village of Burqa, where they heard about repeated attacks by settlers on residents from nearby settlement outposts, including the Homesh outpost.
Burgsdorf said what is happening in Burqa is unacceptable.
“We are here to see what is happening, and we demand actions to confront the injustice that is happening on the ground. It is important to document what is happening and deliver the message to the world and the European capitals," he said.
He explained that legitimizing the return of settlers to the evacuated settlements is contrary to the decisions of the Israeli Supreme Court in itself, as well as to international law, and settlement activity in all its forms is also a violation of international law.
Burgsdorff called on Israel to stop such measures, decisions, and violence, and to prevent settler attacks, which is unacceptable, and that Israel, as an occupying power, must protect the Palestinians from these measures.
M.K.
