By Ali SawaftaRAMALLAH, West Bank, July 25 (Reuters) - Palestinian officials welcomed UNESCO's designation of Sebastia in the occupied West Bank as a World Heritage site, hoping it will prevent Israel extending its control at the ancient village, while Israel condemned it as a political decision.

The 450-acre site, which has awaited joining the world heritage list since 2012, has a history dating back at least 3,000 years.

La Unesco decidió declarar el yacimiento arqueológico de Sebastia, en el territorio palestino de Cisjordania, Patrimonio Mundial.