Israeli Settlers Storm Archaeological Site, Demolish Agricultural Structure in West Bank

Dozens of Israeli settlers, accompanied by Israeli occupation forces, stormed an archaeological site in the northern occupied West Bank town of Sebastia on Thursday, according to the Palestinian Information Centre. Meanwhile, another settler demolished a livestock shed and stole equipment in the southern West Bank city of Al-Khalil (Hebron).

Local sources reported that the settlers broke into the Sebastia archaeological site under heavy protection from Israeli forces, who were deployed throughout the area. Residents say the town faces daily raids by Israeli forces aimed at establishing control over the area, allegedly to facilitate settlement expansion.

Demolition and Theft in Al-Khalil

In a separate incident, a settler from the Bnei Hefer settlement used a bulldozer to demolish a 700-square-meter barn in the Al-Muntar area of Masafer Bani Naim, east of Al-Khalil. The structure, owned by local resident Netham Burqan, was used for raising calves.

Following the demolition, the settler allegedly stole an electric generator, agricultural tools, and digging equipment from the site. Local resident Farid Burqan reported that the settler also destroyed a road near the barn, further disrupting the community’s infrastructure.

Burqan noted that settlers from Bnei Hefer, which is built on Palestinian-owned land, have recently intensified attacks on Palestinian property in Masafer Bani Naim and surrounding hamlets. He said these actions appear to be part of an effort to pressure Palestinian residents to leave their land, clearing the way for settlement expansion.

Settlement Activity and International Law

All Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, as well as the presence of Jewish settlers, are considered illegal under international law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention. Despite this, settlement construction has continued, contributing to ongoing tensions in the region.

Palestinian officials and rights groups have repeatedly condemned settler violence and land seizures, accusing Israeli authorities of enabling such actions through military support and legal protection. The recent incidents in Sebastia and Al-Khalil highlight the growing pressure faced by Palestinian communities as settlement activity continues to expand.