Sebastia archaeological site joins UNESCO World Heritage List

The Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is celebrating the inclusion of the archaeological site of Sebastia on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This designation was finalized during a meeting of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea.

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Hani al-Hayek described the achievement as a victory for Palestinian national identity and a confirmation of the country's deep historical roots. He noted that the recognition aims to support efforts to protect the site from various challenges, specifically citing Israeli measures as a primary concern.

In addition to being listed as a World Heritage site, Sebastia has also been placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger. Local officials, including the Mayor of Sebastia and the Deputy Governor of Nablus, emphasized the importance of this international recognition for promoting sustainable tourism and preserving the site's unique historical value for future generations.