UNESCO Lists Six Middle Eastern Heritage Sites as Endangered Amid Conflict

UNESCO has placed six heritage sites in the Middle East on its endangered list, citing the immediate threat of destruction in conflict zones. The decision was made through an emergency procedure, highlighting the urgent need for protection.

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The decision was made under an emergency procedure due to the threat of destruction of sites in conflict zones.

Among the newly listed sites is Sebastia in the West Bank, an archaeological area with remains spanning from the Iron Age to Islamic rule. The Palestinian authorities are seeking protection for the site against Israeli plans to expropriate adjacent land for a national park. Also included are five Crusader-era fortresses in southern Lebanon, including the medieval Beaufort Castle, which Israel's Defense Minister stated is under IDF control.

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The Palestinian side insists on protecting the site from Israel's plans to expropriate adjacent lands for a national park.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Israel's Foreign Ministry. The ministry opposes the inclusion of the sites, arguing that such actions aim to erase the "Jewish connection to this land." Israel, which officially withdrew from UNESCO in 2019 citing bias, participates as an observer. Israel claims the Lebanese fortresses are used by Hezbollah for military purposes, an accusation rejected by Lebanon's UNESCO delegate.

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The Ministry opposed the inclusion of objects, arguing that such actions are aimed at erasing the 'Jewish connection to this land.'

These sites join others facing peril, underscoring the vulnerability of cultural heritage in regions experiencing ongoing conflict. The inclusion on the endangered list aims to draw international attention and mobilize efforts for their preservation.

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Israel claims that Lebanese fortresses are used by the group 'Hezbollah' for military purposes.