Doha: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)’s Media Observatory for Israel’s crimes against the Palestinians has noted a surge in settlers’ incursions into archaeological sites in multiple areas in the West Bank, especially before the end of 2024.
According to Qatar News Agency, the media observatory stated that the observed incidents included settlers performing Talmudic rituals during Hanukkah in archaeological areas in Jericho and the Jordan Valley Governorate. This governorate ranks second among Palestinian governorates in terms of Israeli control and land seizure, following occupied Al Quds.
The statement further reported that other settlers entered the Tel Ma’in archaeological site east of the town of Yatta in Hebron. They installed a “candelabra” and performed Talmudic rituals. Similar activities were noted with the installation of a “Hanukkah candle” or “candelabrum” on the Diokos (Al Hawtah) archaeological fortress at the top of Mount Qarantul in Jericho.
Additionally, the Israeli occupation authorities have reportedly intensified their raids on the Al Masoudiya archaeological area near Nablus. Jericho, the southern Jordan Valley, eastern Tubas in the northern Jordan Valley, and the Dead Sea area are cited among the historical areas targeted by Israel.