Jericho's Ancient Ruins Granted UNESCO World Heritage Status, Igniting Controversy in Israel
The United Nations designates Tell es-Sultan archaeological site in Jericho as a 'World Heritage Site in Palestine,' triggering Israeli objections and highlighting the historical significance of this ancient ruins
The Tell es-Sultan archaeological site in Jericho has been officially recognized as a "World Heritage Site in Palestine" by the United Nations World Heritage Committee. The announcement was made during a conference in Riyadh, according to UNESCO's official X account (previously known as Twitter).
The Palestinian Authority welcomed the decision, while Israel expressed ire.
View of Jericho from the Mount of Temptation in the West Bank on March 31, 2019. The Mount of Temptation is thought to be where Jesus prayed and was tempted by the devil for 40 days. Jericho is recognized as the oldest city in the world, with archaeological evidence dating its history back 9000 years. (Photo by Dominika Zarzycka/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Once a tranquil oasis, this city in the West Bank has undergone a drastic change in recent times. Situated in Jericho, a city under Israeli occupation, the newly assigned area showcases ancient ruins that trace back to the ninth millennium BCE. Remarkably, Jericho holds the distinction of being one of the oldest cities in the world, with a rich history of continuous habitation.
The decision was welcomed by the Palestinian Authority Foreign Affairs Ministry, who praised it as a recognition of Jericho's cultural, economic, and political importance. They referred to it as a testament to 10,000 years of human progress. PA Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Rula Maayah, emphasized the importance of the decision, stating that the site is an essential and valuable component of the diverse Palestinian heritage.
Maayah stated that the site possesses remarkable universal value, making it eligible for recognition as a World Heritage site. However, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs disapproved of the decision, asserting that it viewed this action as yet another indication of the Palestinians' manipulative exploitation of UNESCO and the organization's politicization.
Situated between the Jordan River to the east and Jerusalem to the west, Jericho is located in the Jordan Valley. In 2010, the city commemorated its status as the oldest walled city in the world, with origins dating back to the modern Stone Age.
CNNs Kareem Khadder and Richard Greene reported from Jerusalem. Eyad Kourdi wrote in Gaziantep, Turkey.
