Palestinians accuse Israel occupation of exploiting archaeological sites to advance annexation plans

GAZA, May 21 (YPA) – Palestinian reports have revealed as a “large-scale and unprecedented” Israeli settlement-related plan aimed at expanding control over archaeological sites across the West Bank, the Jordan Valley, and other Palestinian areas.

According to the Palestinian news agency WAFA, the Israeli government has approved a project valued at approximately 250 million shekels (around $70 million) focusing on sites designated by Israeli occupation as archaeological locations in various parts of the occupied West Bank.

WAFA said Palestinian officials and observers view the move as an attempt to classify targeted areas as “archaeological sites” in order to strengthen Israeli control and advance broader annexation policies under the framework of heritage preservation and tourism development.

The agency cited a joint statement issued by the office of Benjamin Netanyahu and several Israeli ministries, including finance, tourism, heritage, and settlements, describing the initiative as “unprecedented.”

According to the Israeli statement, the project aims to preserve, restore, and develop heritage and archaeological sites in the West Bank, the Jordan Valley, and the Hebron wilderness, while improving public access and tourism infrastructure.

Palestinian sources, however, warned that the multi-year plan could lead to expanded Israeli occupation’s presence in the targeted areas and transform them into major tourism destinations linked to Israel, amid ongoing disputes over sovereignty and settlement activity in occupied Palestinian territories.