Across Palestine, a battle rages on multiple fronts—a struggle to protect a rich heritage and history, both above and below the ground. What were once hidden treasures, safeguarding the history and glories of the Palestinian people, have been partially transformed into the very stones that fortify illegal Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
The theft of Palestinian antiquities has emerged as a complex issue, intensified by advanced techniques and research methods now available. Since Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories, thousands of artifacts have been surreptitiously spirited away. This is no mere act of physical looting; it's a systemic assault on the essence of Palestinian identity. Managed by the Israel Lands Administration and the Antiquities Authority in the Hebrew State, two well-funded institutions, it encompasses an extensive operation that spends lavishly to procure ancient relics.
The lack of awareness has unwittingly ensnared some individuals who have been duped into selling their antiquities to what has been labeled as the Israeli antiquities’ mafia. This underground network offers significant financial incentives in exchange for pieces of the past, be they ancient metal artifacts or honorary relics.
Saleh Al-Khatib, a seasoned expert in antiquities preservation, has shed light on the secretive world of archaeological treasure hunting. Excavations for these hidden gems often take place under the cover of night, in areas of the West Bank not entirely under Palestinian Authority's control.
A particularly concerning development is the exploitation of heritage houses. Some Palestinian owners, constrained by limited finances, opt to demolish their ancestral homes to make way for modern residences. Astonishingly, the stones from these demolished structures are sold to Israelis who employ them in constructing homes that celebrate Israel's historical presence in the region.
A visit to the Khirbet "Tafasa" area near the town of Derastiya in Salfit would leave one with the impression that the land had recently been plowed. However, upon closer inspection, one would discern that beneath the surface, there is an ongoing excavation of hidden antiquities. Pottery fragments litter the excavated areas, hinting at a deeper historical significance.
Masoud Salim, an 88-year-old local resident, narrates that this area has an ancient Islamic character, abandoned for decades despite having been inhabited by numerous civilizations. Many experts now believe that these grounds house hidden treasures. Among these findings is the remains of a mosque, testifying to the Islamic and Arab identity of the area. Local beliefs suggest that these civilizations intentionally buried valuable relics underground.
A source within the Palestinian Tourism and Antiquities Police has revealed to the world that while archaeological excavations are a global phenomenon, the context in Palestine is unique. This stems from the national dimension of the issue, where the search for antiquities has evolved into a treasure hunt. Many of these treasured finds end up in the hands of Israeli merchants, willing to pay top dollar to add these artifacts to their collections.
This same source confirms that Israel spares no expense in its mission to plunder Palestinian history. Furthermore, it extracts groundwater and sells it to Palestinians. More than 70% of the West Bank is under Israeli security control, and the establishment of settlements continues atop strategic hilltops.
The source, who remains anonymous due to a lack of authorization to speak to the media, emphasizes that Palestine holds immense geographical significance as the cradle of three major religions. The value of the antiquities found in the region is heightened, especially considering Israeli law sanctions the trade in antiquities. This opens the door for some individuals to unknowingly part with their ancestral heritage for a meager sum. Additionally, some of these antiquities are smuggled abroad, flouting international law and the Geneva Convention's provisions that prohibit the transfer of antiquities from occupied territories except in cases of rescue.
Despite the persistent efforts of the Department of Tourism and Antiquities within the Palestinian Police to combat antiquity theft, grievances regarding the inadequacy of existing deterrent laws abound. The current legal framework is in dire need of amendment. In most cases, those caught stealing antiquities face brief periods of imprisonment or nominal financial penalties, hardly serving as an effective deterrent.
Lawyer Ataa Rizk laments the legal system as the most significant obstacle. Numerous antiquity excavators have been caught red-handed, only to face fines in lieu of imprisonment. In the past, individuals arrested for such activities were released on bail within a day or two.
As the challenges surrounding the preservation of Palestinian antiquities intensify, the pressing need for robust legal measures and international collaboration to safeguard this invaluable heritage becomes ever more evident. Only through global involvement and concerted efforts can the preservation of Palestinian history and culture be ensured for generations to come.
