Israel's Antiquities Authority has returned 22 ancient objects to Greece, in the first such handover between the two countries. The collection was formally received at Athens' National Archaeological Museum.
The artifacts were seized during a 2020 investigation into suspected illegal antiquities trafficking in and around Tel Aviv. They include black- and red-figure pottery, some decorated with scenes from Greek mythology, as well as a bronze female figure. The pottery dates from the eighth to fourth centuries BCE.
Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said the return could help deepen cooperation on cultural heritage protection, emphasizing that tackling the illegal antiquities trade requires countries to work together.
The handover could encourage stronger international partnerships to protect archaeological heritage and return cultural objects to their countries of origin.
