UNESCO adds Lebanon's ancient city of Tyre to endangered heritage list

The ancient Phoenician city of Tyre, a UNESCO World Heritage site in southern Lebanon, has been placed on the list of World Heritage in Danger. The decision comes after direct impacts from Israeli bombings during the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah were confirmed.

The UN cultural organization stated in a report that "the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East on February 28, 2026, has been reported and confirmed to have a direct impact on the property and its surroundings." The report, released during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea, also noted the forced displacement of Tyre's population by the Israeli army.

UNESCO had previously confirmed damage to the city on March 10, pledging technical support to Lebanese authorities for emergency cultural asset protection. Tyre, founded in 2750 BC, is renowned for its archaeological sites, including Roman ruins and medieval Crusader vestiges. The Al Bass necropolis, featuring a second-century Roman triumphal arch and a large Roman hippodrome, has been particularly affected by nearby attacks.

Listing a site as "in danger" signifies it faces serious threats, such as accelerated deterioration, natural disasters, armed conflict, or major urban development projects. This designation enables the World Heritage Committee to allocate immediate emergency assistance from the World Heritage Fund and legally establishes an expanded protection zone under the 1972 UNESCO Convention.