A crown was blown off an ancient column at a UNESCO-listed site in Tyre, Lebanon, and a pilgrimage site was destroyed in another southern town due to Israeli air and ground campaigns targeting the Hezbollah group. Lebanese Culture Minister Ghassan Salame reported that Israel’s military actions over nearly four months have damaged numerous historical sites in southern Lebanon, even as a ceasefire was enacted a week ago. Troops remain in a region about 10 km deep in Lebanon, preventing a full assessment of the damage.
This occupation zone includes important historical sites like the medieval Beaufort Castle and surrounding villages with Christian and Muslim heritage. Salame noted that some villages have been completely razed and other towns outside the zone, such as Tyre and Nabatieh, have also faced heavy airstrikes. He emphasized that heritage encompasses not only ancient artifacts but also historic buildings and sites of cultural importance.
In response to inquiries, the Israeli military claimed it tries to minimize damage to civilian infrastructure while prioritizing the safety of its own citizens. They assert that they consider the locations of sensitive sites before conducting strikes and have accused Hezbollah of using such sites, an allegation denied by Lebanese authorities. Lebanon is home to a rich tapestry of civilizations, with remnants from the Phoenician, Byzantine, Mamluk, and Crusader eras.
The recent conflict has devastated Tyre, with much of the city now in ruins. Barriers meant to protect ancient sites have been destroyed, further contributing to the damage. Local officials express distress over the loss of protection for these significant cultural landmarks. UNESCO has expressed concern over the conservation status of Tyre and urged increased protective measures for historical sites. Salame has called for Tyre to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Danger, which would intensify protective efforts from the organization and the international community. He fears the current campaign could lead to the permanent loss of Lebanese history.
With information from Reuters
