Palestine seeks UNESCO protection for 12 heritage sites amid Israeli destruction
Palestinian authorities say the move aims to safeguard historic landmarks as they accuse Israel of systematically erasing Palestinian cultural identity in the occupied territories
RAMALLAH, Palestine (MNTV) — Palestinian authorities have added 12 cultural and historical sites to UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List, saying the initiative is intended to strengthen international protection for heritage sites they accuse Israel of targeting through occupation policies and cultural destruction.
The registrations, completed in coordination with Palestine’s permanent delegation to UNESCO, increase the number of Palestinian sites on the Tentative List to 23. Inclusion on the list is the first step toward possible inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and opens the way for greater international cooperation in preservation efforts.
In a statement, the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said the move comes as Israel intensifies measures against Palestinian heritage sites, pledging to continue documenting and protecting the country’s historical and cultural legacy for future generations.
Among the newly listed sites are Sebastia in the occupied northern West Bank, Solomon’s Pools near Bethlehem and the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron.
Palestinian officials say these sites have faced increasing Israeli measures aimed at consolidating Israeli control and weakening their Palestinian historical and cultural character.
The announcement follows recent Israeli decisions affecting the Ibrahimi Mosque.
In June, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich transferred planning and construction authority around the Ibrahimi Mosque from Hebron Municipality to the Israeli administration.
Palestinian officials say the move violates the 1997 Hebron Agreement and further strengthens Israel’s occupation of the city.
Earlier this month, Palestine also appealed to UNESCO to help protect archaeological sites across the occupied West Bank after Israel’s parliament advanced legislation that would place antiquities in the territory under direct Israeli authority.
Palestinian officials argue the proposal amounts to de facto annexation and threatens Palestinian cultural heritage.
The latest initiative comes against the backdrop of widespread destruction in Gaza during Israel’s military campaign.
Palestinian authorities and UNESCO have previously reported extensive damage to cultural institutions, museums, libraries, archives and historic buildings, accusing Israel of systematically destroying Palestinian cultural heritage alongside civilian infrastructure.
According to Palestinian officials, more than 100 cultural institutions, dozens of libraries and museums, and numerous historic buildings have been destroyed since the war began, including centuries-old manuscripts, Ottoman-era records and municipal archives.
They argue the destruction represents an assault not only on physical landmarks but also on the historical memory and identity of the Palestinian people.
The Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said preserving heritage sites has become increasingly urgent as ongoing conflict and occupation continue to place centuries of Palestinian history at risk.
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