Contested Heritage: The Complex Intersection of Archaeology and Land Rights in the West Bank

Sebastia: A Site of Historical Richness and Contemporary Conflict

Sebastia, located in the occupied West Bank, is an archaeological site of great historical importance. It features remains from various eras, including Roman columns, a basilica, and the Roman-era forum. The surrounding hills are dotted with olive fields cultivated by Palestinian families for generations, symbolizing a deep connection to the land.

Recently, Israeli authorities notified Palestinian landowners, including Abu Mudif, that approximately 450 acres of their land would be expropriated to develop a new national park. While the official rationale is to protect and enhance the site, Palestinians view this as a loss of livelihood and heritage. Many refuse compensation offers, perceiving acceptance as legitimizing the expropriation.

Local residents like Nahed Sakha, who owns a restaurant threatened with demolition, express concerns that the project aims to isolate Palestinian communities from the archaeological site. Restoration and excavation work has begun, with restrictions placed on land use, including prohibitions on ploughing. This has heightened tensions and fears of further dispossession.

International Recognition and Rising Tensions

In July, UNESCO designated Sebastia as a World Heritage Site and added it to the List of World Heritage in Danger. The agency highlighted the threat posed by the planned expropriation and establishment of the 'Samaria' national park, warning that it could fragment the property and undermine its integrity.

The site straddles Areas B and C of the West Bank, with varying degrees of Palestinian and Israeli control. This division complicates access and management, as local residents worry about interactions with Israeli security forces and settlers when engaging with the ruins.

The Palestinian tourism and foreign ministries hope that UNESCO’s recognition will bolster international support against Israeli land seizures. Conversely, Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, dismiss UNESCO’s move as politically motivated, emphasizing the historic Jewish connection to the land and rejecting any attempt to rewrite history.

Herodium: Preservation or Expansion?

Further south near Jerusalem lies Herodium, an artificial hill topped by a palace built by King Herod. Israel has recently begun expropriating about 80 acres of land around this site, citing preservation and development goals. However, organizations like Peace Now argue that such land seizures violate international law and Israeli Supreme Court rulings, which prohibit expropriation for settlement purposes or exclusive benefit to Israeli citizens.

Peace Now suggests that Israel may justify the expropriation by claiming the site will serve both Palestinian and Israeli populations, though critics contend the primary intent is to facilitate settlement expansion and consolidate Israeli control.

Shmuel Browns, an archaeologist and guide at Herodium, stresses the importance of Israeli oversight to protect artifacts and history. Nonetheless, the broader political context raises questions about the balance between heritage preservation and territorial claims.

The Politicization of Archaeology in the West Bank

The use of archaeology as a political tool has intensified under Israel’s current government, particularly among far-right factions. A proposed law earlier this year sought to transfer control of archaeological sites from the military-run Civil Administration to the Israeli heritage ministry, granting it sweeping powers to seize land across the West Bank for archaeological preservation. Although the bill passed its first parliamentary reading, it is currently on hold due to upcoming elections and may not advance further.

Israeli activist Alon Arad, who leads Emek Shaveh, an organization advocating for shared heritage, warns that archaeology is being weaponized to rewrite history and reallocate land from Palestinians to Israelis. He emphasizes the need for inclusive development that involves local Palestinian communities to ensure mutual benefits and respect for heritage.

The situation in Sebastia exemplifies these concerns, as plans to relocate the site’s entrance away from the village threaten to sever the community’s connection to their ancestral lands and cultural heritage.

Legal and Humanitarian Implications for Palestinian Communities

For Palestinian landowners like Abu Mudif, the expropriations represent more than economic loss; they signify a profound cultural and emotional dislocation. The olive fields are integral to their identity and livelihood, and losing access feels like losing a part of their soul.

Restrictions on land use and the threat of demolition to Palestinian businesses exacerbate the community’s vulnerability. The division of control between Areas B and C complicates legal recourse and protection, leaving many Palestinians at the mercy of Israeli security policies.

International law generally prohibits the seizure of land in occupied territories for the benefit of the occupying power’s civilian population. Yet enforcement and accountability remain challenging, contributing to ongoing disputes and grievances.

What this means

The archaeological treasures of the West Bank embody a shared history that transcends modern political divisions. Yet, the current dynamics around sites like Sebastia and Herodium reveal how heritage can become a battleground for competing claims and identities. While preservation of ancient ruins is vital, it must not come at the expense of the rights and livelihoods of local Palestinian communities. Sustainable and equitable stewardship requires genuine dialogue, respect for international law, and recognition of the diverse narratives embedded in the land. Only through such balanced approaches can archaeology serve as a bridge rather than a wedge in this deeply divided region.