Lebanese archaeologists and conservationists rush to safeguard relics as airstrikes threaten history.
Israeli Airstrikes Endanger Lebanon's Heritage Sites
Israeli Airstrikes Endanger Lebanon's Heritage Sites
As conflict escalates, Lebanon's ancient treasures face destruction amid humanitarian crisis.
The current crisis in Lebanon, marked by Israeli airstrikes, poses an unprecedented threat to the nation’s rich archaeological heritage. With thousands of years of antiquities at risk, experts express deep concern over the damage already inflicted on several historical sites, including the renowned Roman temples of Baalbek.
Mohammad Kanso, an archaeological caretaker, recounts how the beauty of Baalbek—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—has transformed into a scene of devastation. Once his childhood playground, it now lies under the shadow of conflict, forcing Kanso and his family to evacuate as a missile struck dangerously close to the ancient complex. “My entire world went black,” he laments.
The Israeli military's offensive on Hezbollah has contributed to a dire humanitarian situation, with nearly a quarter of Lebanon’s population displaced and thousands of casualties reported. Concurrently, the safety of Lebanon's cultural treasures is jeopardized, as the nation struggles with long-standing sectarian divides but finds common ground in its rich history.
In response to the escalating threat, UNESCO has recognized 34 cultural sites for “enhanced protection,” declaring attacks on them serious violations of international conventions. However, much of the cultural heritage remains vulnerable, with numerous sites, including historic churches and ancient markets, already damaged or erased by military actions, according to reports from Lebanese officials and the United Nations.
As efforts intensify, Lebanese military forces have begun protective measures, including allocating resources to safeguard key archaeological sites by moving artifacts from high-risk areas to safer locations. Nonetheless, the battle to preserve Lebanon’s antiquities is fraught with uncertainty as conflict continues.
Mohammad Kanso, an archaeological caretaker, recounts how the beauty of Baalbek—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—has transformed into a scene of devastation. Once his childhood playground, it now lies under the shadow of conflict, forcing Kanso and his family to evacuate as a missile struck dangerously close to the ancient complex. “My entire world went black,” he laments.
The Israeli military's offensive on Hezbollah has contributed to a dire humanitarian situation, with nearly a quarter of Lebanon’s population displaced and thousands of casualties reported. Concurrently, the safety of Lebanon's cultural treasures is jeopardized, as the nation struggles with long-standing sectarian divides but finds common ground in its rich history.
In response to the escalating threat, UNESCO has recognized 34 cultural sites for “enhanced protection,” declaring attacks on them serious violations of international conventions. However, much of the cultural heritage remains vulnerable, with numerous sites, including historic churches and ancient markets, already damaged or erased by military actions, according to reports from Lebanese officials and the United Nations.
As efforts intensify, Lebanese military forces have begun protective measures, including allocating resources to safeguard key archaeological sites by moving artifacts from high-risk areas to safer locations. Nonetheless, the battle to preserve Lebanon’s antiquities is fraught with uncertainty as conflict continues.
