Palestinian soap gets UNESCO recognition as Israel's military operation closes in

Never knew...

NABLUS, West Bank — As the sun starts to come up over the old city of Nablus, workers light a giant blaze of a furnace at the Touqan soap factory right off the main square. The blasting flames start to slowly heat a giant vat holding hundreds of gallons of goopy, waxy sludge above. It's a morning ritual that's been happening at the factory for more than 150 years.

The Palestinian city of Nablus has been known for its olive oil soap for centuries, the tradition of making it passed down from generation to generation. In December, the tradition was added to the list of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, after Palestinian representatives nominated it.