Ancient Lebanese City of Tyre Added to Heritage Danger List

Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city in southern Lebanon, has been officially placed on UNESCO's list of World Heritage sites in danger. The decision comes after the historic site sustained damage from Israeli bombardment in recent months, raising significant concerns about its ongoing preservation.

UNESCO stated that the site has been "directly hit and has sustained damage." The organization expressed growing concern over its state of conservation, particularly noting the "possibility of further impacts." According to UNESCO, the "optimal conditions are no longer in place to ensure the conservation and protection of the property's outstanding universal value."

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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.

The Lebanese government formally requested Tyre's inclusion on the danger list. Located just 20 kilometers from the Israeli border, the city has become caught in the crossfire of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. This has led to the evacuation of most inhabitants, including areas with significant archaeological remains.

Tyre, founded approximately 4,700 years ago, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1984. It boasts Roman-era archaeological remains, including a Roman triumphal arch and a hippodrome dating back to the second century. One of these protected sites reportedly suffered a direct hit from an Israeli strike in June. Lebanese Minister of Culture Ghassan Salame has accused Israel of failing to comply with international conventions aimed at protecting cultural sites during armed conflict.

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