Israeli Troops Attack Sabastia's Aerkeological Site In The West Bank

JAKARTA - Israel's occupation forces on Wednesday stormed the Sabastia archaeological site, northwest of Nablus City, the occupied West Bank, according to city government sources.

Sabastia Mayor Mohammad Azzem said occupation soldiers forced shop owners to close their stores near the site, as reported by WAFA January 23.

Located 11 kilometers northwest of Nablus, Sebastia is a small historic city located on a hill with beautiful views across the West Bank and a population of about 3,000 Palestinians.

As a prominent settlement during the Iron Age as well as the Hellenistic and Roman eras, the city includes Roman amphitheaters, temples, Byzantine churches, and crossesmen's churches, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, alongside a mosque, which was built in honor of the holy man. Christians and Muslims believe the city is the burial place for the holy man.

Israel has been trying to take over the city, which has become the site of heated cultural conflicts, preventing the Palestinian Authority from carrying out restoration work at the site, banning the provision of tourism services for visitors from around the world and stealing antiques from there.

Palestinians complain that Israel has repeatedly attacked the city, fencing some of its antiques, where they hold religious rituals.

The twelve elements of the archaeological area are within the (B) area, controlled by the Israeli military and Palestinian administrative authorities. While other parts of the area are within the (C) area, which is completely under the administrative and military control of Israel.

Restaurant and hotel owners have complained about Israel's actions in the city that have caused severe damage and losses to them.

Israel used the names "Yudea and Samaria" to refer to the occupied West Bank to strengthen its false claims over the region and to give them a layer of historical and religious legitimacy.