RAMALLAH, West Bank — On Sept. 4, Israeli authorities issued an official notice in Hebrew announcing their intention to seize the archaeological sites of Khirbet Deir Samaan and Deir Qala, in the west of Salfit governorate in the northwestern West Bank, giving the residents 60 days to object to the decision.
The area of Khirbet Deir Samaan is approximately 6 dunums and 57 square meters (1.5 acres) , while the area of Deir Qala is 17 dunums (4.2 acres), and they represent two of the most prominent archaeological areas in Salfit.