BETHLEHEM / PNN/ Monjed Jadou - The executive and advisory councils in Bethlehem held an emergency meeting to discuss ways to confront Israeli plans targeting the appropriation of the Solomon’s Pools archaeological site, amid official warnings of escalating settlement activity in the area.
Bethlehem Governor Mohammad Taha Abu Alia said the site faces a “growing threat” due to Israeli measures aimed at asserting control over large areas of land. He stressed the need for a multi-level response, including strengthening Palestinian presence at the site, pursuing legal action, and launching an international media and diplomatic campaign. He added that the current phase requires “unifying official and popular efforts” to confront these plans, calling on the Foreign Ministry to organise field visits for foreign diplomats to observe the situation on the ground.
Tourism and Antiquities Minister Hani Al-Hayek said protecting archaeological sites requires partnership between official institutions and local communities, highlighting the importance of grassroots initiatives to reinforce Palestinian presence in Solomon’s Pools.
He acknowledged shortcomings in the protection of some heritage sites and called for the immediate formation of a committee to implement volunteer activities involving youth and community organisations to safeguard such locations. Aya Leftawi, representing the Foreign Ministry, said the ministry is working to organise field tours for diplomatic missions to threatened areas, noting plans for a similar visit to Solomon’s Pools once a comprehensive file on alleged violations is prepared.
In the same context, Civil Affairs Director Nader Zoul said Bethlehem is witnessing an “accelerating settlement escalation,” pointing to plans for new settlements and the expansion of existing ones, including a project to expand the settlement of Efrat onto Bethlehem land.
He added that authorities are providing residents and institutions with documentation needed to file legal objections, stressing ongoing coordination to confront these measures. The Ministry of Awqaf reaffirmed its legal ownership of land in the area and called for enhanced cooperation with relevant stakeholders to ensure its protection.
George Bassous, director general of Solomon’s Pools Tourism Company, stressed the importance of raising public awareness about the site, noting efforts made over the years to develop and protect it.
Bethlehem Mayor Hanna Hanania said “the conflict with the occupation is a battle of narrative,” calling for intensified activities at the site and a media campaign to mobilise public awareness.
Hanania further stressed the need to utilise all available documentation and programmes to protect the heritage site. Participants also called for establishing a permanent daily presence at the site, forming protection committees, and organising continuous activities to reinforce Palestinian presence.
Fatah Revolutionary Council member Hassan Faraj praised a community initiative led by activist and journalist Mohammad Abdel Nabi Al-Lahham, calling for unified efforts to confront what he described as an Israeli campaign.
Faraj proposed practical steps including daily presence programmes and the formation of day and night guard committees supported by ongoing activities.
Al-Lahham called for a structured six-month action plan involving multiple ministries, universities and institutions, stressing the need for high-level engagement to match the scale of developments.
He also questioned the role of professional unions and called for programmes that “break the barrier of fear,” urging the adoption of strategies inspired by popular resistance experiences.