Lebanon minister: Israel damaged world heritage sites in south

Lebanon's Minister of Culture, Ghasan Salamé, has accused Israel of damaging or destroying historical sites across southern Lebanon during its nearly four-month military campaign against Hezbollah. Salamé told Reuters that the full extent of the damage remains unclear, as Israeli forces continue to control areas up to 10 kilometers from the border, which are inaccessible to Lebanese authorities.

The affected areas include the medieval Beaufort Castle and centuries-old villages inhabited by various religious communities. Salamé noted that even ancient cities outside the controlled zone, such as Tyre and Nabatiyeh, have been hit by airstrikes, raising fears that Crusader fortresses might also be damaged. He emphasized that heritage encompasses not only ancient monuments but also historical buildings and culturally significant sites.

In response to Reuters' inquiries, the Israeli military stated that its operations are driven by military necessity and are designed to minimize damage to civilian infrastructure, while prioritizing the safety of its citizens. The army acknowledged taking into account the presence of "sensitive locations" and adhering to strict approval procedures when necessary. Israel has accused Lebanon of storing weapons in the Beaufort Castle, a claim denied by Lebanese authorities.

Lebanon, situated at a crossroads of civilizations, boasts a rich heritage from Phoenician, Byzantine, Mamluk, and Crusader eras. Tyre, with its nearly 5,000-year history and Roman ruins, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city has survived numerous conflicts, but recent fighting has led to widespread destruction. UNESCO has previously expressed concern over the condition of Tyre and condemned attacks on cultural property, urging for greater protection. Salamé has requested UNESCO to declare the site endangered, which would entail increased international responsibility for its preservation, but this has not yet occurred.

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Heritage is not only Roman and Phoenician ancient monuments. Heritage is also historical buildings, archaeological sites, and objects of cultural significance.