UNESCO Grants World Heritage Site Status to Prehistoric Ruins in Occupied West Bank
In a recent decision that has stirred controversy, the United Nations World Heritage Committee has voted to list prehistoric ruins near the ancient city of Jericho in the occupied West Bank as a World Heritage Site in Palestine. The move, which has faced criticism from Israel, took place during a meeting of the committee in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, under the auspices of UNESCO.
The newly listed site, Tell es-Sultan, is an archaeological site located near Jericho and contains prehistoric ruins dating back to the ninth millennium BC. It is an oval-shaped tell, also known as a mound, and is situated around 2km (1.2 miles) from the remains of the first city of Jericho. The site provides evidence of one of humanity’s earliest-known villages and an important Bronze-Age town dating back to 2,600 BC.
According to UNESCO, the settlement at Tell es-Sultan emerged in the 9th to 8th millennium BC due to the area’s fertile soil and easy access to water. The listing of the site acknowledges its historical significance and cultural value.
Israel, however, strongly criticized the decision, referring to it as a “cynical ploy.” In a statement released by the foreign ministry, Israel denounced the move, accusing the Palestinians of exploiting UNESCO for political purposes. Israel has previously withdrawn from the UN organization in 2019, citing anti-Israel bias, but participated in this year’s committee meeting.
The Israeli-occupied West Bank, including Jericho, falls under the administration of the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority. Jericho itself is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities globally and holds ruins of significance to Jewish history, including a synagogue dating back to the first century BC.
The conflict over historical heritage has long been a contentious issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with both sides utilizing archaeology and conservation efforts to assert their unique connection to the Holy Land. This latest designation by UNESCO adds another dimension to the ongoing debate.
The Palestinian Authority welcomed the recognition of Tell es-Sultan as a World Heritage Site. President Mahmoud Abbas emphasized the importance of preserving the site for the benefit of mankind, stating that it testifies to the authenticity and history of the Palestinian people. However, with the absence of meaningful peace negotiations and the current political climate, the prospects for Palestinian statehood remain uncertain.