What is considered cultural property in the Palestinian Territories?
The range of objects, buildings and sites belonging to the cultural heritage of the Palestinian Territories is wide: Among other things, it includes archaeological sites, architectural, technical and sculptural monuments, but also contiguous settlement areas such as cities, villages or parts of them, as well as individual buildings, in addition to handicrafts, collections in museums and in private hands, as well as ancient human, animal or plant remains. Interesting is the qualitative definition of younger cultural property (from 1917): This must be of particular importance for present and future generations, for example in historical, social, scientific or artistic terms. Special economic importance is also taken into consideration. Here, cultural property is considered a national resource. Likewise, a cultural or natural landscape can be classified as cultural property due to its importance.
What sanctions are there?
Violations of the Law on Antiquities of the Palestinian Territories are punishable by imprisonment of up to ten years and fines of 5,000 to 10,000 Jordanian dinars.
