The ancient town of Sebastia, nestled in the hills of the occupied West Bank, is bracing for significant change. Israeli authorities have announced the seizure of 182 hectares (450 acres) of land encompassing a sprawling archaeological site adjacent to the town, a move that has sparked widespread concern among its 3,500 Palestinian residents.
A History Under Threat
The site itself is a palimpsest of history, layered with ruins from Byzantine churches, Roman columns, and even remnants linked to Israelite kings. For decades, the local population has relied on tourism generated by the site and the cultivation of surrounding olive trees for their livelihoods. The planned development, announced in November, includes a visitor’s center, a car park, and a fence that will physically separate the town from the archaeological area and remaining olive groves.
Mayor Mahmud Azem, 50, described the situation as “an aggression against Palestinian landowners, against olive trees, against tourist sites and it is a violation of the history and the heritage of Palestine.”
Competing Narratives and Concerns
While supporters of the project in Israel state the site has been undeveloped for decades and represents the historical capital of the ancient Israelite kingdom of Samaria, critics argue the initiative is part of a broader pattern of settlement expansion. Alon Arad of Emek Shaveh, an Israeli NGO, stated that archaeology is being “weaponised,” and that the project is “really just about land and annexation.”
The project is being spearheaded by members of the Otzma Yehudit party, part of Israel’s current right-wing coalition government. Plans include a new access road bypassing Sebastia, designed to bring tourists directly from Israel, and the anticipated expansion of a nearby Jewish settlement.
A Complex Past, A Precarious Future
The area’s history is complex, having been ruled successively by Byzantines, Muslims, Crusaders, Ottomans, and the British. Wala’a Ghazal, curator of a local museum, emphasized the importance of acknowledging this layered history, stating, “It is not right just to focus on one or other period.” The planned development, to be known as the Shomron national park, is drawing comparisons to other Israeli-backed archaeological projects in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which have faced criticism for prioritizing ideology over genuine historical research.
International law prohibits occupying forces from interfering with archaeological sites, and Sebastia is on UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites for the State of Palestine. Despite these protections, residents like Mahmud Ghazal fear the loss of their livelihoods and the destruction of their community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary concern for residents of Sebastia?
Residents are concerned that the development of the archaeological site will cut them off from their livelihoods, which depend on tourism and olive groves, and will ultimately lead to the loss of their land and community.
Who is driving the development project?
The project is being driven by members of the Otzma Yehudit party, a far-right ultranationalist party within Israel’s current coalition government, and is supported by Israeli Minister of Heritage Amichai Eliyahu.
What is the historical significance of Sebastia, according to different perspectives?
Supporters in Israel view Sebastia as the site of the ancient Israelite kingdom of Samaria, while critics argue that emphasizing one historical period ignores the site’s complex and multilayered past, and serves as a pretext for land annexation.
As the future of Sebastia hangs in the balance, one must consider what the long-term consequences of this development will be for the local community and the preservation of this historically significant site.
