Israel has approved plans to build a new illegal settlement within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The settlement, known as Nahal Heletz, will be situated in the village of Battir, between Gush Etzion and Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank.
Battir, the land of olives and vines, is celebrated for its cultural landscape, which encompasses traditional farming practices and historical value. Perched on a hill above Wadi el-Jundi, the village of Battir is distinguished by its ancient terraces made from dry-stone walls, which are specifically designed for cultivating olives, grapevines, aubergines, and a range of other fruits.
The site is also protected because of its irrigation systems, which date back to Roman times. The water distribution network is fed by seven natural springs and is a lifeline for families, farmers, and sustainable agriculture. It was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, which, in theory, means it's legally protected under an international convention administered by UNESCO.
So how can Israel plan to build an illegal settlement here? And why would they want to?
#Battir #UNESCO #Israel #WestBank #Palestine
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