UN Warns: Israeli Actions Endanger Lebanon's Precious Cultural Heritage

Author: Dian Kencana
November 3, 2024

The Baalbek temple complex, an archaeological site of Roman Empire architecture, is located in the town of Baalbek, about 90 kilometers from Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. The temple complex was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1984. (ANTARA)

SEAToday.com, Beirut - On Friday, November 1, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) expressed deep concerns regarding the significant impact of Israeli military operations on civilians in Lebanon, particularly the damage inflicted on religious and cultural sites.

The UN highlighted its worries about an attack near the ancient Baalbek temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, noting that international humanitarian law requires the protection of civilian structures unless they are being used for military purposes. Even then, the OHCHR emphasized that any military actions must be proportional and executed with care.

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN's special coordinator for Lebanon, also raised alarms on social media about the threats to heritage sites in Tyre and Baalbek, which include several Roman ruins recognized as UNESCO World Heritage. She stated, "Lebanon's cultural heritage must not become another victim in this devastating conflict."

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensified on Friday, with Israeli airstrikes targeting southern Beirut and continuing into the Baalbek region throughout the day.