Lebanese officials highlight cultural sites at risk from Israeli attacks in meetings with Unesco chief

Lebanese officials briefed UNESCO Director-General Khaled El Enany on Wednesday about the vulnerable state of the country's cultural landmarks amidst Israel's ongoing conflict. El Enany met with President Joseph Aoun and was briefed on the precarious condition of several famous sites. Last month, five castles in southern Lebanon were added to UNESCO's List of World Heritage in Danger on an emergency basis. Tyre, a historic city, was also added to the list earlier this year due to Israel's repeated attacks on the region.

President Aoun highlighted the significance of UNESCO's solidarity, stating it reflects "a growing international awareness of the seriousness of the threat to Lebanese cultural heritage resulting from repeated Israeli attacks on the south." The five castles – Beaufort, Shamaa, Chaqra, Deir Kifa, and Tebine – are centuries-old structures that embody the heritage of humanity.

Beaufort, a Crusader castle, is currently occupied by Israel and faces significant risk. An Israeli demolition earlier this month caused explosions with a magnitude of 3.8 on the Richter scale.

UNESCO remains committed to supporting Lebanon's recovery and preservation efforts. Culture Minister Ghassan Salame thanked El Enany for the support and emphasized the international community's determination to protect, restore, and transmit the country's cultural heritage to future generations. The two also plan to visit Al Bass, Tyre's most renowned archaeological site, which was partially damaged by an Israeli strike earlier this year.

In June, an Israeli air strike destroyed one of Tyre's oldest traditional houses near the site, damaging its entrance and a Roman column. Lebanon has submitted documents to the UN Human Rights Council detailing Israeli attacks on the country's historical and cultural heritage, which violate international humanitarian law.