Day: 1 August 2023

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Zenas BioPharma Announces Publication of Phase 2 Study of Obexelimab, an Investigational Treatment for IgG4-Related Disease (IgG4-RD), in The Lancet Rheumatology

Study found obexelimab produced rapid, strong, and sustained clinical improvement, including complete clinical remission, in most patients with active IgG4-RD

Results support the continued development of obexelimab for the treatment of IgG4-RD and potentially other B cell-mediated autoimmune conditions

WALTHAM, Mass., Aug. 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Zenas BioPharma, a global biopharmaceutical company committed to becoming a leader in the development and commercialization of immune-based therapies, announces The Lancet Rheumatology has published findings from a Phase 2 study evaluating obexelimab for the treatment of patients with IgG4-Related Disease (IgG4-RD). Based on the results of this study, a Phase 3 study in patients with IgG4-RD is ongoing to further investigate the efficacy and safety of obexelimab administered as a subcutaneous injection.

IgG4-RD is a chronic, immune-mediated fibro-inflammatory disease that can affect multiple organs including the major salivary glands, orbits, lacrimal glands, pancreas, biliary tree, lungs, kidneys, and retroperitoneum. Approximately 20,000 patients are diagnosed with IgG4-RD in the United States alone. Despite its increasing recognition, there remains a need for further research and effective therapeutic options for individuals living with this debilitating disease.

Across the world, the use of glucocorticoids is widely considered to be the standard of care for treating IgG4-RD. There are no approved treatment options for this condition. While commonly used, glucocorticoids and available B cell depleting therapies rarely lead to long-term, treatment-free remissions, and are associated with a high risk of toxicity in these patients. Such therapies also impair vaccine responses, including those for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza.

In a prospective, open-label, single arm, single-center pilot study to assess the efficacy and safety of obexelimab in the treatment of patients with IgG4-RD (clinicaltrials.gov registration NCT02725476), obexelimab demonstrated strong improvement in the IgG4-RD Responder Index, a measure of disease activity, by inhibiting B cell function, without depleting B cells.

The published manuscript, titled “Obexelimab for the Treatment of Patients with IgG4-Related Disease: An Open-Label, Single-Arm, Pilot Study to Evaluate Efficacy, Safety, and Mechanism of Action,” is available online and will appear in the August issue of The Lancet Rheumatology 2023;5(8) [E428-E429].

The following are the key findings in the paper:

  • Obexelimab produced rapid, strong, and sustained clinical improvement, including complete remission (IgG4-RD Responder Index score of 0), in most patients with active IgG4-RD.
  • During obexelimab treatment, reductions in circulating B cells, including plasmablasts, were observed without evidence of cell death.
  • Additionally, reduction of circulating B cells and rapid return to near normal levels after treatment discontinuation suggests that obexelimab may lead to B cell sequestration in lymphoid organs or the bone marrow.
  • Obexelimab was well tolerated. The majority of treatment-related adverse events were grades 1 or 2, with the most common adverse events being gastrointestinal infusion-related events, most of which were mild.

“Our findings are a significant step forward in understanding the underlying mechanisms of IgG4-Related Disease; paving the way for more targeted treatment strategies,” said John Stone, MD, MPH, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and the Edward A. Fox Chair in Medicine at Mass General Hospital. “Our team is honored to have our research recognized by The Lancet Rheumatology, and we are immensely grateful to the patients who participated in this groundbreaking study.”

About Obexelimab

Obexelimab is an investigational Phase 3-stage, bifunctional, non-cytolytic, humanized monoclonal antibody that mimics the action of antigen-antibody complexes by binding CD19 and FcγRIIb to inhibit B-lineage cell activity. In several early-stage clinical studies in various autoimmune diseases, 198 subjects were treated with obexelimab. In these clinical studies, obexelimab demonstrated effective inhibition of B cell function without depleting the cells, resulting in encouraging treatment effect in patients with various autoimmune diseases. Zenas acquired exclusive worldwide rights to obexelimab from Xencor, Inc.

More information on the Phase 3 (INDIGO) study for the treatment of IgG4 Related Disease is available at clinicaltrials.gov: NCT05662241.

About Zenas BioPharma

Zenas BioPharma is a global biopharmaceutical company committed to becoming a leader in the development and commercialization of immune-based therapies for patients around the world. With clinical development and operations globally, Zenas is advancing a deep and balanced global portfolio of potential first- and best-in-class autoimmune therapeutics in areas of high unmet medical need while meeting the value requirements of the dynamic global healthcare environment. The company’s pipeline continues to grow through our successful business development strategy. Our experienced leadership team and network of business partners drive operational excellence to deliver potentially transformative therapies to improve the lives of those facing autoimmune and rare diseases. For more information about Zenas BioPharma, please visit www.zenasbio.com and follow us on Twitter at @ZenasBioPharma and LinkedIn.

Investor and Media Contact:
Joe Farmer, President & COO
Zenas BioPharma
IR@zenasbio.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8884766

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Conagen and Sumitomo Chemical jointly develop a new era of renewable carbon materials

Bedford, Mass., Aug. 01, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Conagen, the bioplatform innovator and biomanufacturer, and Sumitomo Chemical, Japan’s leading chemical company, have announced to jointly develop p-hydroxystyrene (HS) and its polymer, poly p-hydroxystyrene (PHS), using a combination of biosynthesis, chemosynthesis, and polymerization. The monomer and the polymer are 100% renewable carbon, marking a new era of sustainable production.

Developing PHS using a combination of biosynthesis, chemosynthesis, and polymerization represents a significant breakthrough in sustainable material production. Efforts to reduce reliance on petroleum and transition towards renewable and sustainable alternatives have gained momentum in recent years. With renewable biomass as the starting material, this joint devolvement between Conagen and Sumitomo Chemical creates an environmentally friendly and cost-effective product. The partnership is in the lead position of active global initiatives to reduce petroleum-based products’ consumption and environmental impact.

This partnership represents a significant milestone in developing sustainable materials, and this approach to PHS production is expected to reduce the carbon footprint associated with traditional chemical synthesis methods. It is a crucial step towards more sustainable manufacturing processes with a positive impact.

The Conagen-Sumitomo partnership leverages Conagen’s expertise in microbial strain design and development with Sumitomo Chemical’s proficiency in chemical production and commercialization. The collaboration aims to create a platform that enables the production of sustainable chemicals to replace petrochemicals in an extended range of many applications.

PHS is used to produce polymers, resins, and other chemicals. The monomer HS can also be used as an input for the synthesis of other substances, such as pharmaceuticals and fragrances. The applications of HS and PHS are limitless and can span uses from electronics to personal care and other consumer products.

“This partnership represents a significant step forward in pursuing green chemicals for sustainable material production,” said J. McNamara, Ph.D., V.P. of chemical applications at Conagen. “Our commitment is a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential of combining our technologies with synthetic and polymer chemistries to create innovative, sustainable solutions that can significantly reduce petroleum-based products in the environment,” McNamara stated. “Together, we’re marking a new era of carbon-neutral material production efforts.”

The monomer HS, with the chemical formula C8H8O, is a derivative of styrene in which a hydroxyl group (-OH) is attached to the aromatic ring’s para position (carbon atom 4). The HS and PHS are examples of green chemistry for minimizing waste, reducing hazardous chemicals, and using catalysts that can be easily separated and reused. This joint development project promises to potentially pave the way for developing novel renewable and sustainable materials. “Similar technology can be used to produce other key chemical ingredients by fermentation at industrial scale, such as cinnamic acid, monohydroxy-benzoic acid, and dihydroxy-benzoic acid,” said McNamara.

About Conagen

Conagen is making the impossible possible. It is a product-focused, synthetic biology R&D company with large-scale manufacturing service capabilities. Its proprietary strain development, fermentation, and scale-up technologies enhance our partners’ sales, production, and profitability across a broad spectrum of current and developing markets in food, beverage, nutrition, flavor and fragrance, pharmaceutical, and renewable materials.

About Sumitomo Chemical

Sumitomo Chemical is Japan’s leading chemical company, with a global presence in the chemicals, petrochemicals, and plastics industries. The company is committed to sustainability and has a product portfolio contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.Top of Form

Attachments

Ana Capretz, Head of Public Relations and Communications
Conagen
+1-781-271-1588
ana.capretz@conagen.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8884420

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WHO: Israeli approved 82% of Gaza applications for medical care outside Gaza, 77% of West Bank applicants

The Israeli occupation authorities approved 82% of Gaza applications for medical treatment in East Jerusalem, West Bank or Israeli hospitals during June and 77% of West Bank applications to get medical treatment in East Jerusalem or Israeli hospitals during the same month, according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) monthly report on Health Access Barriers for patients in the occupied Palestinian territory. It said that out of 1,556 (M: 801; F: 755) permit applications for patients from the Gaza Strip to Israeli authorities in June, more than a quarter (28%) of applications were for children under 18 and more than a fifth (22%) were for patients over 60 years old. The top six specialties accounted for 81% of permit applications: oncology (38%); hematology (12%); cardiology (12%); orthopedics (7%); pediatrics (6%); and ophthalmology (6%). The remaining 19% of applications were for 20 other specialties. A further 100 permit applications for patients and companions were submitted through the Palestinian General Authority of Civil Affairs during June for travel by shuttle to Jordan, which requires approval of Israeli and Jordanian authorities for direct transfer from Beit Hanoun/Erez to the King Hussein Bridge to Jordan, without formal entry to Israel or the West Bank. Jordanian hospitals issue an open appointment, rather than specifying a hospital appointment date, for these permit applications. Of the 100 applications, 29 (29%) were approved within the month, none (0%) were denied and 71 (71%) remained pending at the time of monthly reporting. While 1,280 (M: 629; F: 651), or 82%, of the 1,556 Gaza patient applications to cross Beit Hanoun/Erez were approved in June, 18 (M: 12; F: 6) patient permit applications, more than 1% of the total for Gaza patients, were denied in June. Four of these 18 patient applications were for children under the age of 18 years, five for adults aged 18 to 40 years, eight for adults aged 41-60 years, and one for a patient over 60 years old. Five patients had appointments for cardiology; three for oncology; two for pulmonary medicine; and one each for urology, heart surgery, ICU, internal medicine, neurosurgery, orthopedics, pediatrics, and vascular surgery. Eight were destined for hospital appointments in the West Bank outside East Jerusalem, six in East Jerusalem, and four to Israeli hospitals. In addition, 258 (M: 160; F: 98) patient permit applications, or 17% of the total, were delayed access to care, receiving no definitive response to their application by the date of their hospital appointment. Of delayed applications, 18% (46 applications) were for children under the age of 18, while 13% (33) were for patients over 60 years old. Most delayed applications (197 or 76%) were classified as ‘under study’ at the time of the patient’s hospital appointment. In June, 37 (M: 30; F: 7) patients from the Gaza Strip were requested for interrogation as a prerequisite to their permit applications. 17 patients were aged 18 to 40 years, 16 were aged 41 to 60 years, and 4 were over 60 years old, said the WHO report. Of these patients, 11 had appointments for cancer care (oncology); 7 for orthopedics; 5 for ophthalmology; 4 for neurosurgery; 3 for internal medicine; 2 for cardiology; and 1 each for pulmonary medicine, ENT, heart catheterization, neurology, and urology. Twenty-five of the patients had applied for permits to access hospitals in east Jerusalem and 12 to the West Bank outside east Jerusalem. More than three-fifths of patients (62%, or 23/37) had submitted their permit applications more than 30 days before the hospital appointment. One of the 37 patients was approved during the month and the remaining 36 were awaiting a response at the time of monthly reporting. The Health Liaison Office submitted 2,066 companion permit applications to Israeli authorities to accompany patients in June. These applications include parents or other companions applying to travel with children. Patients are eligible to apply to Israeli authorities for one companion to accompany them for health care outside the Gaza Strip. In June, 1,028 companion permit applications (50% of the total) were approved, 100 applications (5%) were denied, and the remaining 938 (45%) were delayed, receiving no definitive response by the time of the patient’s hospital appointment. Most Palestinian patients from the West Bank outside of East Jerusalem are required to obtain permits to reach hospitals in East Jerusalem or Israel. Most women older than 50 years of age and men older than 55 years of age are exempted from the requirement, though a proportion of these are also restricted on purported security grounds. There were 7,630 permit applications by patients from the West Bank outside east Jerusalem in June. Of patient permit applications, 3,814 (50%) were for female patients, 1,597 (21%) were for children under the age of 18 years, and 633 (8%) were for patients over 60 years. Two-thirds (67%) were for appointments at hospitals in east Jerusalem, while a third (33%) were for Israeli hospitals or clinics. Of the 7,630 West Bank patient applications in June, 5,911 (77%) were approved, 4% lower than the average approval rate in 2022 (82%). The approval rate has been declining gradually since the beginning of the year and currently remains lower than the approval rate for the Gaza Strip. There were 1,444 (19%) denied applications and 275 (4%) applications pending at the time of monthly reporting. The approval rate of patient permits varies by location. In June, governorates with an approval rate of 77% or higher included Abu Dis (90%); al-Ram and Jericho (83%) each; Bethlehem and Salfit (82%) each; Tulkarm and Ramallah (80%) each; Jenin (79%); and Tubas and Qalqilya (78%) each. Governorates with an approval rate lower than the average of 77% included Nablus (70%), and Hebron (65%). In June, out of 8,781 companion permit applications to Israeli authorities from the West Bank outside east Jerusalem, to access health care in east Jerusalem and Israel, 4,538 (52%) were for female companions, while 89% of applications were for companions aged from 18-59 years. Of the 8,781 West Bank companion applications, 6,757 (77%) were approved. 1,676 (19%) were unsuccessful and 348 (4%) were pending reply at the time of monthly reporting.

Source: Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA

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Iraqi delegation checks on agricultural information system in Jordan

Minister of Agriculture Khaled Hneifat on Tuesday received an Iraqi delegation representing the Ministry of Planning, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Central Statistical Organization. The visit aims to check on the agricultural information system in Jordan. Hneifat spoke about the development of the agricultural sector in Jordan and challenges and priorities that have been tackled in light of many crises, including water scarcity, climate changes, the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian-Ukrainian crisis. He pointed out to the agricultural sector’s achievements realized in recent years, and the Ministry of Agriculture’s role in partnership with the private sector in realizing these achievements at all levels, and in overcoming these crises and challenges. He also mentioned success stories in water harvesting projects and optimal use of water, and in the Jordanian agricultural products export sector. Hneifat expressed the ministry’s readiness to cooperate in transferring Jordanian expertise to the Iraqi side, especially with regard to the farmers’ register and any aspects requested by Iraq. The Iraqi delegation said the Iraqi government has an ambitious plan to drive the agricultural sector, and that cooperation between the two countries is an urgent necessity, as this represents a common interest, especially in exchanging expertise related to regulating the agricultural sector.

Source: Jordan News Agency

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Jordanian parliamentary delegation meets political parties, blocs in Iraqi Parliament in Baghdad

The Jordanian parliamentary delegation, chaired by Ahmad Khalaileh, First Deputy Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament met in Baghdad on Tuesday with leaders of political parties and blocs in the Iraqi Parliament, as part of its official visit to Iraq. The delegation met leader of the National Wisdom Movement (NWM), Ammar al-Hakim, leader of the Fatah Alliance, Hadi Al-Amiri, former prime minister and leader of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, and Secretary-General of the Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq (League of the Righteous), Qais al-Khazali. In the meetings, Khalaileh reaffirmed Jordan’s firm position under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah that reflects keenness to enhance the security and stability of Iraq. He said that the political change in Iraq didn’t affect the depth of the close relationship between the two countries, expressing hope that there would be joint cooperation through investment in major projects. Khalaileh added that Jordan is looking forward to investing in Iraq, calling for supporting Jordan in this regard. Khalaileh expressed his deep admiration for the Iraqi government’s political role, which is the result of a wise political leadership. For his part, Al-Hakim reaffirmed the depth of the ties between Jordan and Iraq. Al-Hakim said that Iraq plays an important pivotal role in the region, stressing the need for economic integration and cooperation between the two countries. Al-Hakim added that the oil pipeline project to trnasfer oil from Iraq to Jordan to Al-Arish in Egypt is on going and it is approved by all political blocs in Iraq.

Source: Jordan News Agency

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King, Cyprus president meet in Amman

His Majesty King Abdullah and Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides on Tuesday held a meeting at Al Husseiniya Palace, and discussed enhancing cooperation in various fields, as well as regional and international developments. At a bilateral meeting followed by an expanded one attended by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, King Abdullah highlighted the need to bolster bilateral relations and cooperation, especially in energy, trade, industry, tourism, and ICT, commending Cyprus’ development and economic support. In remarks at the top of the expanded meeting, His Majesty expressed pride in the deep-rooted relations between the two countries, adding that such meetings are a chance to enhance cooperation, politically and economically, as well as in defence, which sees close cooperation between Jordan and Cyprus. The King highlighted President Christodoulides’ role in his previous capacity as foreign minister saying, “you were a friend and an ally to all of us in dealing with challenges in our region”. For his part, President Christodoulides said he is happy to visit Jordan as president of Cyprus. “You know how much we value your role and Jordan’s role as a pillar of stability in our neighbourhood, a neighbourhood with a lot of challenges, but at the same time a lot of promises,” he said. The Cypriot president underlined the excellent relations between the two countries, as they always work together to tackle challenges, and take advantage of opportunities. He noted that the memoranda of understanding signed during the visit indicate the political will to strengthen relations. “I always enjoy the discussions with you, and of course with your foreign minister, on regional developments,” the president added, addressing His Majesty. President Christodoulides pointed to discussions of a number of issues, including the Palestinian cause, adding, “you know very well our principal position on the two-state solution”. “On the issue of Syria, I know the burden that Jordan is having with the refugees’ issues, and we think that the international community needs to do much more to support Jordan in this purely humanitarian issue,” he said. President Christodoulides noted the importance of discussing European relations with Jordan, adding, “you know Cyprus is the strongest supporter of enhancing tangibly this relationship”. At the meeting, the two sides agreed on maintaining trilateral cooperation between Jordan, Greece, and Cyprus, in service of the three countries and their peoples, as well as regional development, and stressed the need to coordinate efforts to counter food and energy security challenges, as well as climate change. His Majesty commended Cyprus and the European Union’s support for peace efforts, based on the two-state solution. The King called for stepping up efforts toward calm and de-escalation in the Palestinian Territories, and ceasing any unilateral measures that could threaten stability and undermine peace prospects. His Majesty reaffirmed the need for the Palestinian people to attain their just and legitimate rights, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 4 June 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital. The King stressed that Jordan will continue to exert all efforts to safeguard Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, under the Hashemite Custodianship. Discussions at the meeting also covered the Syrian crisis and means of stepping up international efforts to reach a political solution that addresses its humanitarian, security, economic, and political repercussions, as well as supporting Iraq’s efforts to enhance its stability and security. The impact of the refugee crisis on host communities was also discussed, including the need to maintain international support for refugees, while working towards political solutions to regional crises to avoid the eruption of further refugee influxes, and enabling the voluntary and safe return of refugees. His Majesty called for maintaining support for UNRWA to enable it to continue to provide its services in accordance with its UN mandate. The two sides also agreed on the need to maintain ongoing international efforts to counter terrorism within a holistic approach. On the sidelines of the visit, the two countries signed memoranda of understanding on development and investment cooperation, as well as a technical arrangement regarding aerial firefighting assistance in cases of emergency.

Source: Jordan News Agency

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Jordanian parliamentary delegation meets political parties, blocs in Iraqi Parliament in Baghdad, 1st, final add

For his part, Al-Amiri said that Iraq has a historical relationship with Jordan, stressing the need to intensify efforts between the two sides to consolidate bilateral relations, noting that there is an urgent need for cooperation between countries, and Iraq is open to joint cooperation with Jordan. Al-Maliki, in turn, called for developing relations between Arab countries, in particular the development of bilateral relations between Iraq and Jordan, and making all diplomatic efforts to develop them. Al-Maliki said Iraq is committed to hold the Arab summit in Baghdad in order to convey a message to the Arabs that Iraq is still a part of it, expressing appreciation Jordan’s role in countering terrorism and securing borders with the Iraqi side. For his part, al-Khazali said he is looking forward to further development in the relationship between Iraq and Jordan, stressing the complementarity of the relationship between the two countries. Al-Khazali added that the Jordan and Iraq see eye-to-aye on the Palestinian cause, as both are supportive of it, expressing appreciation the Kingdom’s role to support the Palestinian cause and preserve the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. The Jordanian parliamentary delegation visited the Royal Cemetery, the Iraqi Fiqh Compound and the Abu Hanifa Mosque (Grand Imam Mosque). The delegation also visited the Jordanian Embassy in Baghdad, and met with the Jordanian Ambassador Muntaser Al-Oqla and the embassy staff. It lauded the ambassador’s efforts and the embassy staff’s role in conveying a bright picture of of Jordan in Iraq. A Jordanian parliamentary delegation, chaired by MP Khalaileh, and includes MPs: Assistant Speaker of Lower House of Parliament Dhiab Al-Masaeed, Suleiman Al-Qallab and Mohammad Jaradat, is currently paying an official visit to Iraq, aimed at bolstering cooperation between the two countries in all fields.

Source: Jordan News Agency

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Weather: Hot conditions continue, slight drop in temperature

Hot to very hot conditions are expected today in Palestine with a slight drop in temperature while remaining 2°C above the seasonal average, according to the Palestinian Meteorological Department (PMD). Winds are westerly to northwesterly, light to moderate, and sea waves are low. The temperature in the capital, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem is expected to reach a high of 32°C and a low of 21°C, and in Ramallah and Hebron a high of 31°C and a low of 20°C. In Jericho, the Dead Sea, and the Jordan Valley temperature is expected to reach a high of 41°C and a low of 27°C, while it is expected to reach a high of 31°C and a low of 26°C in Gaza and the coastal areas. No change in temperature or weather conditions is expected for Wednesday. However, another drop in temperature is expected for Thursday, which remains slightly above the seasonal average, said the PMD. Temperature drops again on Friday, becoming around its annual average. The PMD warned against exposure to direct sunlight for a long period and setting fire in areas with dry grass.

Source: Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA

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Israeli forces demolish structure near Salfit

Israeli occupation bulldozers demolished a commercial structure in the town of Deir Ballut, west of the occupied West Bank city of Salfit. Local sources told WAFA that the occupation bulldozers demolished a 200-square-meter facility in the town, belonging to local resident Ahmad Abdullah.

Source: Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA

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Dozens of Israeli settlers break into Jerusalem’s Aqsa Mosque

JERUSALEM: Dozens of fanatic Israeli settlers Tuesday morning broke into the compounds of al-Aqsa Mosque under heavy protection from the Israeli police.

The extremist settlers, divded into groups, raided the holy Islamic Mosque from al-Maghariba gate and took provocative tours in its compounds.

It added that the settlers performed Talmudic rituals in the eastern part of the Mosque.

This comes at a time as Israeli forces intensify measures against Palestinians coming from Jerusalem to enter the Mosque, inspecting their IDs and briefly detaining them.

Source: Palestine news and Information Agency – WAFA

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Israeli settlers fence off tract of land in northern Jordan Valley village

Israeli settlers today fenced off a tract of land between the illegal Israeli colonial settlements of Maskiot and Rotem in the northern Jordan Valley, which is usually a prelude taking over the land, according to a local activist. Mahdi Daraghmeh, head of al-Maleh village council in the Northern Jordan Valley, said that a group of Israeli settlers placed a barbered wire on a tract of Palestinian-owned land in order to prevent Palestinians from reaching their land. The settlers, he added, are intending to seize more Palestinian lands for settlement purposes, noting that Palestinians have been receiving threats in the past few days to leave their lands and homes.

Source: Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA

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Israeli force raid archaeological site north of Nablus

Israeli occupation forces raided today the archeological site in the town of Sebastia, to the north of the West Bank city of Nablus, according to a local activist. Mohammad Azem, head of the Sebastia municipality, told WAFA that a large unit of Israeli soldiers raided the archaeological site, conducting a survey of the area of the Roman amphitheater. The site has been a regular target of settlers and occupation raids and attacks in an attempt to taking over more archaeological sites. Extremist Israeli settlers’ violence against Palestinians and their property is routine in the West Bank and is rarely prosecuted by Israeli authorities.

Source: Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA