UNESCO Designates 'Oldest Fortified City' Tell al-Sultan In Palestine As World Heritage Site. IN PICS

Tell al-Sultan becomes the fourth Palestinian site to earn a place on UNESCO's world heritage list, joining the Church of the Nativity and the Old City of Hebron in this distinguished recognition.

UNESCO highlighted the presence of "skulls and statues" reflecting cultic practices among the neolithic population, while early Bronze Age archaeological findings demonstrate signs of urban planning.

The pre-historic archaeological site of Tell al-Sultan, situated near the occupied West Bank city of Jericho, has been officially added to UNESCO's prestigious World Heritage List, according to an announcement made by the United Nations' cultural organization. (Image Source: Getty Images)

This significant decision was reached during the 45th world heritage committee meeting held in Riyadh. (Image Source: Getty Images)

UNESCO's Assistant Director-General, Ernesto Ottone, made the declaration during a session dedicated to the inscription of the site, stating, "The property proposed for nomination is the prehistoric archaeological site of Tell al-Sultan, located outside the antique site of Jericho." (Image Source: Getty Images)

A UNESCO diplomat, speaking anonymously as they were not authorized to engage with the media, emphasised that Tell al-Sultan holds pre-historic significance and contains no Jewish or Christian remains, as reported by AFP. (Image Source: Getty Images)

The site's candidacy, spanning three years, proceeded without objections from any state parties, the diplomat noted. In 2019, Israel withdrew from UNESCO, alleging a bias against the country. (Image Source: Getty Images)

Tell al-Sultan, an oval-shaped tell or mound situated in the Jordan Valley, features prehistoric layers of human activity, predating even Egypt's pyramids. UNESCO's website describes how a permanent settlement emerged here in the 9th to 8th millennium BC due to the region's fertile soil and abundant water sources. (Image Source: Getty Images)