The Israeli authorities have announced plans to expropriate around 450 acres of land in the historic Palestinian areas of Sebastia in the occupied West Bank. This move aims to establish a major national park, with little or no compensation offered to Palestinian landowners who view this as an unjust seizure of their heritage. The proposed development could lead to the displacement of local residents and the restriction of access to archaeological sites dating back thousands of years. The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has expressed concern over the planned expropriation, citing potential division of the property and the threat it poses to the site's World Heritage status. Meanwhile, Israeli activists argue that the authorities are bypassing local consultation in favor of expanding settlements and asserting control over Palestinian heritage sites. The Israeli government, however, maintains that these actions are necessary for preservation and development purposes, while rejecting international criticism as an attempt to diminish historic Jewish ties to the region. Similar concerns have arisen regarding another site, Herodium, south of the West Bank, where approximately 80 acres are being expropriated for "preservation and development." This move has sparked debate over its legality under international law and whether it serves solely Israeli interests or benefits both Palestinian and Israeli populations.