UNESCO Adds Lebanese, West Bank Sites to Endangered List Amid Conflict

UNESCO has placed several Lebanese castles and an archaeological site in the occupied West Bank on its list of World Heritage in Danger. The decision, made during a meeting in South Korea, includes five castles in Lebanon's Mount Amel, notably Beaufort Castle, and the ancient site of Sebastia near Nablus in the West Bank.

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serious enough to justify resorting to an emergency procedure.

These locations were added through an emergency procedure due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Israel's Foreign Ministry opposed the designations, calling them a "weaponization of cultural heritage." Beaufort Castle, a Crusader fortress captured by Israeli forces in May during operations in southern Lebanon, and the surrounding mountainous area have faced repeated Israeli bombardment. UNESCO noted that the fortresses have sustained damage and face ongoing threats.

Lebanese Culture Minister Ghassan Salame described the listing as a "remarkable achievement in the effort to protect these important Lebanese historical landmarks." He accused Israel of destroying Shamaa Castle and threatening Beaufort Castle, though only two castles are reportedly within the Lebanese government's reach.

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remarkable achievement in the effort to protect these important Lebanese historical landmarks.

Sebastia, identified as the ancient city of Samaria, holds archaeological remains from various periods. Israel has shown interest in the site, acquiring land for preservation and development. UNESCO stated the site's integrity is threatened by a project to create the 'Samaria' (Shomron) National Park, which would subdivide the property. The Palestinian delegation first nominated Sebastia in 2012, arguing for its conservation under Israeli control.

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The integrity of the site is currently threatened by an expropriation project aimed at subdividing the property and creating the 'Samaria' (Shomron) National Park.