Statement by the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities: On The Israeli occupation’s Antiquities Authority conduct of an archaeological excavation in Cremisan Valley

In May, 2015, Israel commenced with the construction of the Annexation Wall in northern Bethlehem Area; namely the area around the Cremisan Valley in Beit-Jala, without taking into consideration the valley's potential of outstanding universal value. The site is an integral part of the serial nomination ‘Palestine, Land of Olives and Vines’, which also includes the ‘Cultural Landscape of Southern Jerusalem, Battir’.  On 2 February 2016 the Israeli Antiquities Authorities commenced with an archaeological excavation at Khirbet en-Najjar, which contains ruins of human settlements that date back to the Roman period. 

In the absence of a final peace agreement, the Israeli occupation is bound by provisions to securing the Occupied Palestinian State's cultural and natural heritage, and is responsible for its protection in accordance with the international law. Namely, the Hague Convention and Regulations of 1907, the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, and the Hague Convention and Protocol of 1954 for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. In addition to the UNESCO Recommendations on International Principles Applicable to Archaeological Excavations in New Delhi in 1956, Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, the 1972 World Heritage Convention and other resolutions and recommendations concerning cultural property in Palestine. 

The archaeological excavation at Khirbet en-Najjar is being conducted by the Israeli Occupation’s Antiquities Authority without informing the Palestinians. The initial investigation conducted by the Palestinian Department of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage revealed that several artefacts and objects were found during the excavation, and were confiscated by the Israeli Occupation’s Antiquities Authority. Moreover, the construction of the Wall in the Cremisan Area and the archaeological excavation at Khirbet en-Najjar are considered a clear violation of international laws and agreements. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities condemns the Israeli occupation’s acts of destruction to the cultural and natural heritage resources and appeals to the international community to Immediately take all measures necessary to pressure Israel to permanently cease its Wall construction and excavations on and around the Cremisan Valley in occupied Beit Jala and to refrain from further unilateral actions that could inflame the situation.