Israeli attacks damage Lebanon's Tyre archaeological site, a World Heritage site

Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have inflicted damage on the ancient city of Tyre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, causing structural harm and fissures that alarm both Lebanese authorities and the international organization. The ongoing conflict poses a significant threat to this millennia-old urban center.

Nader Saqlawi, director of Archaeological Excavations in the south for the Lebanese Ministry of Culture, told EFE that one of the Israeli bombings landed "very close to the outer wall of the Al Bass site," located about two kilometers from Tyre's center. This area contains ruins from the Roman and Byzantine eras.

Tyre, one of the world's oldest cities founded in 2750 BC, was a Phoenician trading hub before being occupied by subsequent civilizations. The Al Bass site features a large necropolis with hundreds of tombs, a Roman hippodrome, a 20-meter-high triumphal arch, and an aqueduct. Saqlawi described the blast's impact as "strong," causing "cracks and fissures" in structures between 1,500 and 2,000 years old. The Roman hippodrome, one of the largest and best-preserved globally, was also affected, with the attack impacting the site about 200 to 300 meters away.

Saqlawi noted that another Israeli bombing near the maritime archaeological area of Tyre damaged buildings, the tourist office, the guard room, and the main entrance. UNESCO confirmed in a statement that "damage has been confirmed at key sites, including Tyre, a World Heritage site, Beaufort Castle, and the Shamaa Citadel," all under enhanced protection, with bombings reported near other protected locations. An official assessment of the damage will be conducted once a ceasefire is in place.