Israeli occupation forces (IOF) broke into the archaeological site in Sebastia north of Nablus on Sunday.
Muhammad Azem the mayor of Sebastia said that the IOF soldiers and several civilian vehicles stormed the archaeological site. It is believed that these vehicles were carrying officials in the occupation government.
Azem added that the IOF soldiers were deployed throughout the site and closed it to the Palestinian citizens.
Sebastia town is subjected to repeated incursions by the IOF and the frequent closure of the archaeological site to secure the storming of Jewish tourists who perform religious rituals claiming that it is Israeli territory.
The IOF also threatens to remove the Palestinian flagpole which reaches a height of 17 meters and is in Al-Bayader Square in Sebastia town which is an area classified as B.
The so-called Israeli Civil Administration had previously demanded the Sebastia municipality to remove the Palestinian flagpole but the Palestinian municipality refused.
