In brief
In the face of Israeli airstrikes, Lebanon's ancient sites, including the UNESCO-listed Baalbek, are suffering significant damage. The conflict has displaced millions and threatens cultural heritage, prompting urgent conservation efforts.
In Lebanon, the ongoing conflict has put priceless archaeological treasures in jeopardy, with many sites already facing damage from Israeli airstrikes. Among these is Baalbek, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient Roman temples, where local caretaker Mohammad Kanso recently watched as missiles struck nearby, destroying cherished historical buildings.The humanitarian crisis stemming from the conflict has displaced nearly one-quarter of Lebanon’s population and resulted in thousands of casualties. As tensions rise, both archaeologists and conservationists are racing against time to preserve thousands of years of cultural heritage, which includes artifacts from Phoenician to Ottoman times.In an effort to safeguard these precious sites, UNESCO has designated 34 locations across Lebanon for "enhanced protection," indicating that attacks on them would constitute a serious violation of international law. However, many significant sites remain unprotected, raising concerns as strikes continue to threaten historic churches, markets, and artifacts that embody Lebanon's diverse heritage.
