Palestinian fears rise as settlers visit synagogue ruins in Jericho
Israeli settlers' increased visits to the ruins of two synagogues in the Jericho area in the West Bank worry Palestinians.
The mosaic floor of the ruins of the Shalom Al Yisrael Synagogue, also known as the Shahwan synagogue, is seen in Jericho on March 16, 2018.
- Wikimedia/Bukvoed
May 3, 2021
Israeli settlers have been increasing their visits to the ruins of the ancient Naaran and Shahwan synagogues in the Jericho area in the West Bank and also performing rituals in them, sparking Palestinian fears about Israeli intentions for the region.
Jericho, one of the oldest cities in the world, dates back more than 10,000 years. Palestinians and international tourists flock to Jericho and surrounding Jericho governorate, which are home to many archaeological sites such as Hisham’s Palace, which houses the largest mosaic painting in the Middle East, and many monasteries, including Deir Hajla and Deir Wadi Qelt.