NABLUS, June 29, 2026 (WAFA) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Nablus Governorate, and the Municipality of Sebastia, organized on Monday a field tour for the diplomatic corps accredited to the State of Palestine to the archaeological site in the town of Sebastia, as part of government efforts to protect land and history from theft and distortion.
The tour also comes as part of efforts to support the nomination of Sebastia for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and to allow diplomats to observe violations and measures carried out by Israeli occupation authorities against the site, which aim to alter its historical and cultural character in pursuit of annexation and colonization.
During the visit, Israeli occupation forces, accompanied by colonists, stormed the archaeological site, in an incident that reflected ongoing assaults targeting the town and its cultural heritage.
Several ambassadors and representatives of states accredited to the State of Palestine participated in the tour, in the presence of 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.
The delegation was briefed on the site's historical and cultural significance and on Palestinian efforts to protect it and advance its UNESCO nomination.
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities said the tour aimed to brief members of the diplomatic corps on the illegal unilateral Israeli measures targeting the archaeological site of Sebastia, which obstruct Palestinian efforts to preserve and safeguard its historical value.
He added that the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, in coordination with national and international institutions, continues efforts to internationalize the Sebastia file after submitting its nomination to UNESCO for consideration.
For his part, Nablus Governor reviewed violations and measures carried out by Israeli occupation authorities against the town, calling on the international community to assume its responsibilities and take effective steps to protect Palestinian cultural heritage and halt ongoing attacks.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs also outlined systematic Israeli policies and actions against land, people, and history, noting that Sebastia is one example, and highlighted diplomatic efforts by the State of Palestine at regional and international levels to rally support for the Sebastia file and strengthen its chances for UNESCO inscription.
The Mayor of Sebastia emphasized the historical and cultural importance of the town, praising efforts by all partners in preparing the nomination file as a key step towards protecting the site and preserving its heritage.
The tour included visits to key facilities at the archaeological site, where the delegation was briefed on the site’s outstanding universal value and the justification for its inscription on the World Heritage List.
T.R.
