UNESCO inscribes Palestine's Sebastia as World Heritage Site over Israel's objections

UNESCO's World Heritage Committee inscribed Sebastia, an archaeological site near Nablus in the occupied West Bank with over 3,000 years of settlement, during its 48th session in Busan, South Korea, concluding 29 July 2026. The nomination used emergency fast-track procedures for sites facing imminent threat. Sebastia was placed on the Danger List upon inscription. Israel objected and urged rejection; Palestinian officials welcomed the designation, hoping it prevents Israeli control over the site.