The Sebastia Archaeological Site in the West Bank is on the List of World Heritage in Danger

UNESCO has added the Sebastia archaeological site in the northern West Bank to the List of World Heritage Sites in Danger of Extinction, Palestinian officials announced.

The decision was adopted through an emergency procedure during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea, the official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported, quoting Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Hani al-Hayek, as reported by Anadolu (31/7).

The committee recognized the site for its "extraordinary universal value," highlighting its layered history that includes the Iron Age and the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Crusader and Ottoman periods.

The United Nations cultural agency placed the ancient site on its endangered list because of "serious threats, including actions related to the Israeli occupation, land seizure plans, projects aimed at changing the historical and archaeological character of the site, and restrictions affecting its protection, management, and preservation efforts."

The Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities welcomed the designation, describing it as a national achievement in efforts to protect the country's cultural heritage.

Sebastia is one of the most important archaeological sites in Palestine, with a history of more than 3,000 years.

Mid-month, the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced 12 new sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list.