Israeli Airstrikes Threaten Cultural Heritage in Lebanon, Experts Warn

Airstrikes by Israel near Baalbek in Lebanon are endangering historical sites, including UNESCO-recognized Roman ruins. Archaeologists fear irreparable damage to invaluable cultural heritage as the conflict escalates.

Recent Israeli airstrikes near Baalbek's ancient Roman ruins in eastern Lebanon have raised alarms among archaeologists over the potential destruction of cultural heritage sites. A car park close to the UNESCO-designated location was struck, alongside a centuries-old Ottoman structure. Experts warn that ongoing military action in the region poses a severe risk to historical treasures, such as the iconic Roman temples.

"Baalbek is the major Roman site in Lebanon. You couldn't replace it if someone bombed it," says Graham Philip, an archaeology professor at Durham University. The attacks, which have intensified since late September amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, have largely targeted military areas but have increasingly encroached upon sites significant to Lebanon's history.

On October 23, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued evacuation orders near Baalbek and subsequently began striking military targets nearby. Though no direct damage to the ancient sites has been confirmed, archaeologists worry that proximity to combat zones could inadvertently lead to devastation. "For Baalbek, the situation is dire; the temples are located within targeted areas," notes local archaeologist Joanne Farchakh Bajjaly.

The IDF asserts that military actions are planned with sensitivity to historical structures in mind. A spokesperson stated that each strike is carefully considered, with strict protocols in place to avoid heritage sites. Nevertheless, uncertainty remains as many civilians have sought refuge near these age-old landmarks, mistakenly believing they would be safe due to their cultural significance.

As the conflict continues, experts like Israeli archaeologist Erez Ben-Yosef emphasize the importance of preserving cultural heritage, cautioning that any wartime damage would impact not just Lebanon, but the global community. Graham Philip echoes this sentiment, warning of the consequences should these sites be inadvertently targeted: "Ancient sites are not merely historical; they embody the identity of a people."

The situation remains precarious, and while it’s too soon to assess the full toll on Lebanon's cultural heritage, the need for protective measures has never been more urgent. The world watches closely as the military campaign unfolds, recognizing the fragile nature of history amidst warfare.