November 5, 2011. (Romereports.com) The Palestinian Authority was admitted to the UNESCO General Assembly on the Monday of October 31st, it was opposed by 14 nations, including Israel, the USA and Germany. This means that from now on, locations on their land can be declared a World Heritage Site. This includes places like the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and Joseph's Tomb in Nablus.


When a State becomes a member of UNESCO, they sign the World Heritage Convention, which governs the locations of World Heritage Sites.

As Palestine is now entitled to adhere to all conventions, they may submit nominations for the World Heritage List.

Until now it hasn't been possible to protect certain places and shrines in the West Bank and Gaza Strip due to a lack of recognition and funding. However, their entry into UNESCO would introduce them to the world and help to promote the economies of these areas through tourism. 


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