UNESCO moves to protect heritage sites in Palestine, Lebanon

UNESCO has placed six cultural sites in Palestine and Lebanon on both its World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger, invoking an emergency procedure amid concerns over potential destruction in conflict-affected areas.

The decision was taken during a committee meeting in Busan, according to Al Jazeera.

Among the sites listed is Sebastia in the occupied West Bank, an archaeological area near Nablus encompassing layers of history from the Iron Age — when it served as the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Israel — through to the Islamic period. Palestinian authorities have called for protection of the site, citing concerns over Israeli plans to expropriate nearby land for the creation of a national park.

The listing also includes five fortresses in southern Lebanon’s Mount Amel region, notably the medieval Beaufort citadel. In late May, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the site was under the control of the Israel Defence Forces.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry strongly opposed the UNESCO decision, arguing that it undermines historical ties and is aimed at erasing the “Jewish connection to this land.” Israeli officials also allege that the Lebanese fortresses are being used for military purposes by Hezbollah, a claim rejected by Lebanon’s delegate to UNESCO.

Israel withdrew from UNESCO in 2019, citing alleged bias, and currently participates only as an observer.

Separately, earlier this week UNESCO added the ancient Lebanese city of Tyre to its endangered list. Al Jazeera reported that satellite imagery shows “deliberate demolition” of buildings and land clearance in the area.

By Tamilla Hasanova