The UNESCO-listed village of Battir, located southwest of Jerusalem in the West Bank, Palestine, is under imminent threat. On 24th December 2023, an illegal settlement outpost was established in Battir's World Heritage Site. This severely infringes upon the rights of Palestinians who own this land and threatens its unique cultural and natural heritage.

Battir is known for its ancient terraces and irrigation system which date back 5000 years. The local community have preserved traditional farming practices and ensured the sustainable management of the natural water springs, essential to life in this area. The site's unique biodiversity includes many endangered species and it serves as a green lung for the local community. The illegal settlement outpost poses an imminent threat to these irreplaceable treasures. 

The UNESCO Constitution states that it is incumbent on the international community to protect sites of such universal significance. We urge the World Heritage Committee to place diplomatic pressure on the Israeli authorities to immediately remove this illegal settlement outpost. 

Battir was added to UNESCO's 'In Danger' list in 2014. UNESCO cite challenges such as "changes in the local population and community", with their "traditional ways of life and knowledge systems" as major risk factors. Since Christmas Eve, Israeli soldiers have actively prevented the Palestinian farmers from reaching their land for cultivation. Meanwhile, armed settlers continue with the construction of the settlement and its expansion across the surrounding landscape.

Mohammed, from the Battir local council says;

“This is a call to all our friends outside Palestine to focus on this issue and give it the importance it deserves. They are destroying our land, they take whatever they want, the settlement is getting bigger, day by day. We hope that someone can stop this.”

Our collective action can help uphold international law. Please sign this petition to UNESCO and stand in solidarity with the people of Battir today.