Sebastia, occupied West Bank – Israeli officials are promoting archaeological excavations in Sebastia as part of a project to establish a national park focused on Jewish heritage, while Palestinians view this as an attempt to annex the town and erase their history. The local mayor warns that plans for military installations and increased Israeli control will make life unbearable for residents, leading to displacement, as they resist peacefully. Critics argue that the Israeli government’s rhetoric on preserving Jewish heritage masks a long-term strategy to annex Sebastia and marginalize its Palestinian population.
