The UNESCO Heritage Committee revealed a fresh addition to its list of global heritage sites, namely Tel a-Sultan in Yericho. UNESCO member states convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where it was resolved that this site would be designated as a “Palestinian world heritage site.” The decision was reached through a vote, emphasizing that there are nearby Jewish and Christian sites, not encompassed within this designation, but still deemed worthy of protection.
Tel a-Sultan, also recognized as Tel Yericho, occupies a central position within the city. Rising 21 meters above its surroundings and spanning across 40 dunams, it boasts a trove of archaeological discoveries. Among its notable features is the round tower of Tericho, measuring 8.50 meters in width and retaining a height of 7.70 meters.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry expressed strong displeasure over the decision, asserting that it was reached despite considerable efforts made by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. They characterized the move as evidence of the Palestinians’ strategic exploitation of UNESCO and the organization’s politicization. Israel vows to collaborate with its numerous allies within the organization to rectify what they perceive as distorted decisions.
MK Dan Illouz from the Likud party attempted to engage with the UNESCO CEO in an effort to thwart the categorization of ancient Yericho as a Palestinian heritage site. However, sources within the Foreign Ministry argue that “UNESCO’s decision is not entwined with the Israel-Palestinian conflict, and it is regrettable to frame it as such. It constitutes a professional verdict pertaining to an ancient site…”
{Matzav.com Israel}
It’s great. Let them rebuild it! Couldn’t happen to nicer people.