Israel Takes Ancient Columns from West Bank Town

Israeli forces raided Al-Mazra’a Al-Sharqiya in the central occupied West Bank, seizing five ancient stone columns from a Byzantine-era archaeological site. Witnesses reported that the operation involved the Israeli Civil Administration and was purportedly in response to damage caused by Palestinian construction at the site. Palestinian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Hani Al-Hayek stated that over 316 archaeological sites have been destroyed in Gaza and the West Bank during recent conflicts, highlighting systematic targeting of Palestinian history.

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