UNESCO places occupied West Bank, Lebanon sites on endangered heritage list
Summary
UNESCO has added six sites in the occupied West Bank and southern Lebanon to its list of World Heritage sites in danger. This decision, made despite objections from Israel, highlights the impact of ongoing conflicts on these historic locations.Key Facts
- Six sites in the occupied West Bank and Lebanon were placed on UNESCO’s World Heritage and endangered lists at the same time.
- The decision was made at a UNESCO meeting in Busan, South Korea, using an emergency procedure due to conflict damage.
- The West Bank site, Sebastia, is an ancient archaeological area linked to biblical history and John the Baptist.
- Palestinians asked for Sebastia to be protected because Israeli plans for a national park could limit Palestinian access.
- In Lebanon, five castles including Beaufort Castle were listed; Beaufort was recently taken by Israeli troops during fighting with Hezbollah.
- Lebanon says Israeli attacks damaged one castle and threaten others, but Israel claims Hezbollah uses some sites for military purposes.
- Israel left UNESCO in 2019 over accusations of bias but now participates only as an observer.
- Earlier, the ancient Lebanese city of Tyre was also named endangered due to destruction seen in satellite images.
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