A Community Under Constant Pressure

In the historic Palestinian town of Sebastia, near Nablus in the occupied West Bank, residents say life has taken a darker turn in recent months. What was once a place known for its Roman ruins and olive groves is now marred by daily confrontations with Israeli soldiers.

From Occasional Raids to Routine Violence

Locals report that Israeli forces, often accompanied by armed settlers, have been carrying out near-daily incursions into the town. What were previously sporadic raids have evolved into an almost predictable pattern—night-time arrests, street patrols, and physical assaults against residents.

Witnesses say soldiers have beaten shopkeepers, harassed schoolchildren, and fired tear gas into crowded streets. According to Palestinian officials, several young men have been injured in the past month alone, while others have been detained without charge.

Cultural Heritage in the Crossfire

Sebastia, a UNESCO-recognized site rich in archaeological treasures, has seen its tourism industry collapse amid the violence. Merchants who once sold crafts and food to visitors now keep their shops shuttered for fear of military raids. Local leaders accuse Israeli forces of deliberately targeting public spaces to break the town’s social and economic resilience.

Residents Speak Out

“It’s no longer about security—it’s about making life here unbearable,”
says Mahmoud, a café owner whose business has been raided three times this year.

Many residents say the harassment feels like part of a larger effort to push Palestinians out of Sebastia, clearing the way for settlement expansion in surrounding areas.

Israeli Military Response

The Israeli military has not commented specifically on the allegations from Sebastia, but has previously said its operations in the West Bank are aimed at “counter-terrorism” and preventing attacks against Israelis. Palestinian rights groups counter that these measures amount to collective punishment, banned under international law.

Human Rights Groups Call for Action

Organizations including B’Tselem and Human Rights Watch have condemned the rising violence, urging international observers to visit Sebastia and document the situation. They warn that unchecked military and settler activity risks further destabilizing the region.

FAQs – Sebastia Under Siege

Q: Where is Sebastia?
Sebastia is a historic Palestinian town near Nablus in the occupied West Bank, known for its archaeological sites.

Q: What is happening there?
Residents report daily assaults, raids, and harassment by Israeli soldiers and settlers.

Q: Why is Sebastia significant?
It’s an important cultural heritage site with Roman, Byzantine, and Crusader ruins, as well as a symbol of Palestinian history.

Q: What do human rights groups say?
They describe the actions in Sebastia as collective punishment and a violation of international law.

Q: How has life changed for residents?
Businesses have closed, tourism has collapsed, and fear of violence dominates daily life.

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