Ancient Lebanese city of Tyre added to heritage danger list

Tyre, a Phoenician city steeped in history, now faces a precarious future as it has been added to UNESCO's list of world heritage sites in danger. The decision comes after recent Israeli bombardment caused damage to the ancient site, raising significant concerns about its ongoing conservation.

“

The site has been directly hit and has sustained damage. Furthermore, its state of conservation is a cause for growing concern, particularly given the possibility of further impacts.

UNESCO stated that Tyre has been "directly hit and has sustained damage." The organization also noted that "optimal conditions are no longer in place to ensure the conservation and protection of the property's outstanding universal value." It was the Lebanese government that formally requested the city's inclusion on the danger list.

The ancient city, founded approximately 4,700 years ago and placed on the UNESCO heritage list in 1984, boasts significant Roman-era archaeological remains, including a triumphal arch and a second-century hippodrome. These sites, located near the Lebanese-Israeli border, were caught in the crossfire of recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

“

Optimal conditions are no longer in place to ensure the conservation and protection of the property's outstanding universal value.

Lebanese Culture Minister Ghassan Salame welcomed the decision, emphasizing that the listing will draw much-needed attention from UNESCO and member states to a site of immense historical importance in a region currently experiencing conflict. He had previously accused Israel of failing to comply with international conventions protecting cultural sites during armed conflict.

“

The listing would 'focus the attention and concern of UNESCO and member states on a site of great importance in the history of a region currently witnessing conflicts.