The Palestinian Authority is reportedly lobbying UNESCO to recognize the ancient biblical site of Sebastia as a Palestinian World Heritage Site. The site, once the capital of the northern Kingdom of Israel, holds deep Jewish and Christian historical significance.
The Palestinian Authority is reportedly lobbying UNESCO to designate the ancient site of Sebastia in the northern West Bank as a Palestinian World Heritage Site, according to a report published Friday.
Sebastia, known in Hebrew as Sebastia (שומרון), was the capital of the northern Kingdom of Israel and is a site of significant Jewish and Christian heritage. The report frames the PA's effort as an attempt to 'erase Israel's biblical roots' through international bodies.
The report follows a UNESCO vote on the site earlier Friday that drew sharp criticism from Israeli officials. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar slammed the vote, calling it an attempt to 'rewrite history' and ignoring the site's historic Jewish connection, as The Zioneer reported hours earlier.
The PA's lobbying campaign is likely to continue as the UNESCO process advances.
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