BETHLEHEM, June 1, 2026 (WAFA) – Participants in a meeting held in Bethlehem on Monday announced the formation of a committee tasked with monitoring and confronting the escalating colonial campaign targeting Solomon’s Pools tourist area, situated between the town of Al-Khader and the village of Artas, south of Bethlehem.
During the expanded meeting, held at the Convention Palace, participants called for strengthening public engagement in the area through tourism, recreational activities, and cultural events.
They also stressed the need to activate official strategic mechanisms through a sustainable development plan to enhance the area, support local farmers, and rehabilitate agricultural lands.
The participants further emphasized the importance of pursuing legal, diplomatic, and media efforts to expose Israeli occupation and colonists’ violations, while safeguarding the historical, cultural, and symbolic significance of the site.
Bethlehem Governor Mohammad Taha Abu Alia said the meeting was convened in response to the organized colonial campaign targeting Solomon’s Pools as part of attempts to seize the area and expand the boundaries of the nearby colony of Efrat.
He warned of the far-reaching consequences such measures would have on daily life throughout Bethlehem Governorate and underscored the need for a comprehensive action plan with clearly defined responsibilities and implementation mechanisms.
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Hani Al-Hayek highlighted the importance of preserving archaeological and historical landmarks, describing their protection as a collective national responsibility that requires unified and coordinated efforts.
He also pointed to existing shortcomings in safeguarding certain archaeological sites, stressing the need for greater cooperation among relevant institutions to ensure their preservation.
A representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to briefing ambassadors and consuls on Israeli violations in the occupied Palestinian Territory and stressed the importance of preparing specialized reports on Solomon’s Pools to support diplomatic advocacy efforts.
She added that the ministry would coordinate field visits for members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the State of Palestine to familiarize them with developments and conditions in the area.
For his part, Director of the Bethlehem district office for the Palestinian General Authority of Civil Affairs, Nader Zaoul, highlighted the recent acceleration of colonial expansion across the governorate through the establishment of new colonies and outposts, highlighting several recent colonial projects in the governorate.
He also referred to repeated incursions carried out under the pretext of religious routes.
Meanwhile, Convention Palace Director George Bassous presented an overview of the Solomon’s Pools area, the ongoing development project there, and future plans for its advancement. He noted that the site attracts nearly half a million visitors annually through conference tourism and regular tourism activities.
Firas Fanoun, representing the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs in Bethlehem, affirmed the ministry’s ownership of the land and stressed the importance of mobilizing all available efforts to protect it.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants announced the formation of a committee comprising representatives of Bethlehem Governorate, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Endowments and Religious Affairs, Tourism and Antiquities, Local Government, Civil Defense, the Women’s Committee, the municipalities of Bethlehem and Al-Khader, the Artas Village Council, the Chamber of Commerce, the Directorate of Education, Solomon’s Pools administration, and community representatives. The committee will monitor developments in the area and follow up on colonists’ incursions.
Participants concluded by stressing the importance of coordinated official, popular, and community action to safeguard and preserve the Solomon’s Pools area and protect its historical and national character.
T.R.
