Lebanon's ancient monuments remain at risk from Israeli strikes
According to Al Jazeera, ancient monuments in southern Lebanon remain at risk of damage from Israeli strikes as ceasefire violations continue. UNESCO and local archaeologists warn that some losses could be irreversible.
Air strikes have continued in recent months in areas of southern Lebanon that contain ancient sites such as Tyre, Sidon and Baalbek, even with a fragile ceasefire in place. Al Jazeera reports that damage to surrounding infrastructure is disrupting long-term conservation work.
Lebanon's Directorate General of Antiquities and the UNESCO Beirut office said damage-assessment teams have not been able to return to several sites, meaning the full extent of some losses cannot yet be quantified. The Lebanese Ministry of Culture said it has asked international donors for additional funding.
The Israel Defense Forces said targets in the area are « Hezbollah infrastructure » and that civilian historical structures are not being targeted. Hezbollah rejected that characterisation. The Council of Europe and the Arab League have called for an independent monitoring mission to be granted access to the sites to protect cultural heritage. UNESCO's World Heritage Committee is expected to hold an extraordinary meeting in the coming weeks.
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