President Mahmoud Abbas has strongly commended the decision of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Committee to inscribe the ancient city of Jericho/ Tell es-Sultan on the World Heritage List. The President said UNSCO’s decision is ‘of utmost importance, one that testifies to the authenticity and history of the Palestinian people.’ He affirmed that ‘the State of Palestine is committed to preserving this unique site for the benefit of mankind.’ President Abbas extended his gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for hosting the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. He also expressed appreciation to the committee members, the UNESCO Secretariat, and all the countries that contributed to the inclusion of Tell es-Sultan on the World Heritage List. The decision to add Jericho/Tel Sultan to the World Heritage List represents a significant recognition of the importance of pre
serving and protecting cultural heritage in the face of ongoing challenges and threats. It is also seen as a step towards fostering international cooperation and promoting a greater understanding of the rich history and heritage of the region. The ancient city boasts remarkable archaeological findings, including evidence of its ancient fortifications and early human settlements, as well as the iconic Hisham’s Palace mosaic. These archaeological treasures offer invaluable insights into the region’s history, culture, and civilization. The Tell es-Sultan site has been under excavation for over a century and yielded the remains of a fortified city that bills itself as the oldest continuously inhabited settlement on the planet.
Source: Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA