World

Israel seizes archaeological site in West Bank

The Israeli army has seized 1,300 square meters of land at an archaeological site in the town of Sebastia, northwest of Nablus, the mayor has told the Palestinian news agency Wafa.

The mayor of Sebastia, Muhammad Azem, told the news outlet that the Israeli army stormed the town and handed over a decision to build military barracks.

Azem said establishing a military facility inside the archaeological site violated UNESCO laws and threatened to harm tourism in Sebastia.

He added that the plan was part of Israel’s effort to permanently extend its control to the Palestinian territory.