Jerusalem: The Israeli army has declared 63 Palestinian archaeological sites in the West Bank as 'Israeli heritage sites,' a Palestinian research institute said Wednesday, in a clear violation of international law and a blatant breach of international obligations.

According to Anadolu Agency, this was stated in a report by the Applied Research Institute-Jerusalem (ARIJ), a non-governmental organization. The report, titled 'Archaeological Sites in Nablus Governorate: An Open Arena for Israeli Confiscation Plans,' was reviewed by Anadolu. It highlighted that a booklet containing military orders signed by Brig. Gen. Moti Almoz, head of the Israeli Civil Administration under the army in the occupied West Bank, classified 63 sites as 'Israeli historical and archaeological sites.'

The report noted that 59 of these sites are located in Nablus governorate, three in Ramallah governorate, and one in Salfit governorate. It argued that Israel's targeting of Palestinian archaeological sites in the occupied West Bank 'is not merely administrative or legal formalities, but part of a systematic policy aimed at confiscating Palestinian heritage.'

The report further stated that this step is part of 'reshaping Palestinian heritage identity to serve the Israeli narrative, especially since most of the targeted sites are located near Israeli outposts, settlements, or other colonial sites -- particularly in Nablus governorate.' It emphasized that 'classifying these Palestinian archaeological and historical sites as 'Israeli' constitutes a clear violation of international law, a flagrant breach of international obligations, and a direct threat to Palestinian national identity.'

ARIJ indicated that 'Israeli occupation authorities have classified more than 2,400 Palestinian archaeological sites in the occupied West Bank as Israeli sites.' It pointed out that while Israeli authorities declare certain areas as needing 'protection and preservation,' in practice, 'they are used to seize vast areas of Palestinian land under the pretext of heritage conservation.'

Additionally, the report mentioned that 'later, many of these areas are converted for use by Israeli settlements, outposts, and military installations, as well as tourism and recreational facilities that benefit only Israeli settlers and visitors.'

According to Palestinian reports, by the end of 2024, the number of illegal settlers in the West Bank had reached about 770,000, distributed across 180 settlements and 256 outposts, 138 of which are classified as agricultural and pastoral outposts. At least 1,014 Palestinians have been killed and more than 7,000 injured in the West Bank by Israeli forces and illegal settlers since October 2023, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

In an advisory opinion last July, the International Court of Justice declared Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory illegal and called for the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.