Occupied Jerusalem, July 16 (SANA)Palestine’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced on Thursday that 12 Palestinian sites have been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List, bringing the total number of Palestinian sites on the list to 23.

The ministry said the registrations, made in cooperation with the Permanent Delegation of Palestine to UNESCO, reflect national efforts to strengthen international recognition of Palestinian cultural and natural heritage and pave the way for future nominations toUNESCO’s World Heritage List.

In a statement carried by the Palestinian news agency WAFA, the ministry said inclusion on the Tentative List would enhance efforts to protect and preserve the sites as part of humanity’s shared cultural heritage.

The ministry said the development comes amid what it described as an escalating Israeli campaign targeting Palestinian heritage sites, citing recent actions affecting Sebastia, Solomon’s Pools and the Ibrahimi Mosque, which it said were aimed at isolating and taking control of the sites.

The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to documenting and safeguarding Palestinian cultural heritage despite the ongoing challenges facing archaeological and historical sites.

Palestine became a full member of UNESCO in October 2011, after the organization’s General Conference voted in favor of its admission.F.J./ABD