Urgent: Israeli Expropriation Threatens Nablus Governorate’s Rich Archaeological Heritage

In a significant development that has raised concerns about the preservation of Palestinian heritage, the Israeli government has declared 63 archaeological sites in the occupied West Bank as “Israeli historical and archaeological sites.” This unilateral decision has been criticized as part of a systematic effort to undermine Palestinian cultural identity.

On August 10, 2025, the Israeli Civil Administration, led by Brigadier General Moti Almoz, issued a military order titled Order Regarding the Antiquities Law (Judea and Samaria) (No. 6611–6891) of 1986. This directive utilizes amended Jordanian laws to designate these sites as state-controlled antiquities zones.

The geographical distribution of these sites reveals a troubling trend, with a majority concentrated in the northern West Bank. Specifically:

• 59 sites are located within the Nablus Governorate.
• 3 sites are found in the Ramallah Governorate.
• 1 site is situated in the Salfit Governorate.

This recent order is not an isolated action; rather, it is part of a broader strategy by Israeli authorities aimed at consolidating control over Palestinian cultural resources. Since the occupation began in 1967, Israel has placed authority over antiquities under the control of its military governor, a move that critics argue is intended to further tighten Israel’s grip on these archaeological resources.

Opponents of this policy contend that it facilitates the exploitation of Palestinian heritage as part of a larger “settlement project.” The military booklet associated with the order also includes directives that redefine the boundaries of ten Israeli settlements in the West Bank, a maneuver that appears to promote their expansion.

Moreover, the proximity of many newly classified “Israeli archaeological sites” to existing settlements and outposts—especially in Nablus—strongly suggests a coordinated effort to integrate these sites into the settlement framework.

Declaring Palestinian heritage sites as Israeli is seen as a blatant violation of international law, notably:

• The 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.
• The Geneva Conventions, which explicitly prohibit an occupying power from altering the historical and cultural character of occupied territories or exploiting them for political purposes.

An anonymous source expressed deep dismay over the situation, stating, “This is extremely disappointing and worrying.” The source emphasized the failure of the international community to adequately respond, arguing that “this should not be happening in front of our eyes as an international community with professional and ethical responsibility to respond to these violations and advocate for accountability to put a stop to these actions.”

Rather than protecting Palestinian heritage, Israeli occupation authorities have systematically classified over 2,400 Palestinian archaeological sites in the West Bank as “Israeli archaeological sites.” This tactic employs military orders to justify control and legitimize the confiscation of these sites, posing a direct threat to Palestinian national identity. Critics assert that this practice serves as a tool for legitimizing the ongoing settlement enterprise.

The implications of this decision extend far beyond mere classification; it threatens the very essence of Palestinian culture and history. By appropriating these sites, the Israeli government not only undermines the cultural significance of these locations but also attempts to erase the historical narrative of the Palestinian people.

In conclusion, the declaration of these archaeological sites as Israeli historical locations has sparked outrage and concern among various stakeholders, including cultural preservationists, international law experts, and human rights advocates. The decision represents a troubling trend in the ongoing conflict over land and identity in the region. As the situation evolves, it is crucial for the international community to remain vigilant and advocate for the protection of Palestinian heritage.