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Israel intends to take over significant portions of a major historical location in the West Bank, known as Sebastia, as stated in a government document obtained by the Associated Press.

An anti-settlement monitoring organization named Peace Now stated that since the location is approximately 450 acres, this action represents the biggest confiscation of historically significant land.

The plan would take over almost 1,800 dunams from the Palestinian villages of Burqa and Sebastia, including thousands of olive trees,” the organization stated, noting that “the land is privately owned and recorded in the land registry under Palestinian owners.

The paperwork allows Palestinians 14 days to submit complaints regarding the directive.

The location is linked to the capital of the ancient Israelite kingdom, Samaria, and both Christians and Muslims hold the belief that it is the burial place of John the Baptist. This ancient site has been included on UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites for the State of Palestine since 2012.

Israel stated that preserving heritage was the motive behind the land seizure, and has historically used the argument of safeguarding Jewish biblical heritage to justify claims over Sebastia. In 2023, the Israeli government revealed plans to transform the site into a tourist destination and provided over 30 million shekels (€8 million) for its development.

Nevertheless, human rights groups caution that this action will force Palestinians in the vicinity to relocate and mark the conclusion of Palestinian-run tourism at the location.

“In the instances of Deir Qal’a and Deir Samaan, the locations are now within the areas of Alei Zahav and Peduel, and Palestinians are unable to reach them,” Peace Now noted.

“According to international law concerning occupied territories, public-purpose seizures are allowed only if they meet the requirements of the local community,” it further stated.

Increased pressure on Israel to address settler aggression

The action took place at the same time as the creation of a new unauthorized settlement by Israeli residents close to Bethlehem and occurs as the Israeli administration experiences increasing demands to address violent acts by settlers.

The head of the local Etzion settler council, Yaron Rosenthal, stated that the settlement was a “return to the city of our matriarch Rachel, King David,” and felt it would “enhance the bond” between Etzion and Jerusalem.

In 1967, following the Six-Day War, Israel took over the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem, which was a military confrontation between Israel and a group of Arab nations.

The West Bank, which is under occupation, hosts approximately 3 million Palestinians, who mostly reside under Israeli military administration, along with over half a million Israeli residents.

The global community largely views the settlements in the West Bank as unlawful according to international law.