Daniel Estrin

Israeli defense officials said in a statement the expropriation is a government decision to develop the site into an archaeological park.

Israel accuses Palestinian authorities of neglecting the site.

Advocacy groups say it's an Israeli move to stake claim to more land.

Daniel Estrin, NPR News, Tel Aviv.

I feel like my heart sank just climbing up to the top of this mound of dirt, looking at this expanse of destruction, piles of cement, bombed out schools and homes.

Israel, for its part, is active.

The war is over, but it is still locating tunnel shafts, demolishing them and other infrastructure.

And Hamas, for its side, is regrouping in Gaza.

We are here accompanied by Israeli troops.

But Israel still, more than two years after the war began, is not allowing journalists into Gaza independently to interview Palestinians and to see their lives up close.

Daniel Estrin, NPR News, Gaza.

I feel like my heart sank just climbing up to the top of this mound of dirt.

Looking at this expanse of destruction, piles of cement, bombed out schools and homes.

Israel, for its part, is active.

The war is over, but it is still locating tunnel shafts, demolishing them and other infrastructure.

And Hamas, for its side, is regrouping in Gaza.

We are here accompanied by Israeli troops.

But Israel still, more than two years after the war began, is not allowing journalists into Gaza independently to interview Palestinians and to see their lives up close.

Daniel Estrin, NPR News, Gaza.

I feel like my heart sank just climbing up to the top of this mound of dirt.