Roman-era Graves

Hamas authorities in Gaza on Sunday announced the [blank] of over 60 tombs in an ancient burial site dating back to the Roman era. Work crews have been [blank] the site since it was discovered last January during preparations for an Egyptian-funded housing project. Hiyam al-Bitar, a researcher from the Hamas-run Ministry of Antiquities and Tourism, said a total of 63 graves have been identified and that a set of bones and artefacts [blank] one tomb was dated back to the second century. She said the ministry is working with a team of French experts to learn more about the site. On Sunday, workers sifted through the soil and removed piles of dirt in wheelbarrows. Although the ancient cemetery is now blocked off from the public, construction on the housing project has continued and the site is surrounded [blank] apartment buildings. Local media reported looting when the site was first discovered, with people using donkey-drawn carts to haul away items like a covered casket and inscribed bricks.