Palestinian official accuses Israel of seeking control over 3,750 archaeological sites in West Bank

RAMALLAH, July 5 — A Palestinian official on Sunday accused Israel of advancing a plan to take control of more than 3,750 archaeological sites in the West Bank, describing it as part of a broader policy to tighten Israeli control over heritage locations and support settlement expansion.

Saleh Tawafsha, Palestinian deputy minister of tourism and antiquities, told the official Voice of Palestine radio that Israeli settlement organizations, with government backing, are seeking to transfer the management of the sites to settlers, who have expanded their presence by establishing new outposts near several of the locations.