UNESCO Adds Sebastia and Lebanese Castles to World Heritage in Emergency Move

UNESCO declared the archaeological site of Sebastia in the occupied West Bank and five castles in southern Lebanon as World Heritage sites on July 24, 2026, simultaneously placing them on the List of World Heritage in Danger due to threats from Israeli expropriation and conflict damage Source: La Vanguardia. The decision was made at the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea, under an emergency procedure citing ongoing conflicts in the Middle East Source: Milenio.

Sites and Threats

• Sebastia, identified with ancient Samaria, is threatened by Israeli plans to expropriate around 180 hectares for a national park Source: Infobae. The site spans Iron Age to Islamic periods and is traditionally considered the burial place of John the Baptist Source: Milenio.
• The five castles in Jabal Amel (including Beaufort, Toron, Dubieh, Maron, and Chama) reflect medieval architectural layers and have suffered damage from recent Israeli bombings in the conflict with Hezbollah Source: Excélsior, La Vanguardia.

Reactions

Israel, which withdrew from UNESCO in 2019, condemned the designations. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar wrote that the move is a "cynical resolution that denies Jewish history" Source: Infobae. The Palestinian delegation celebrated, with mayor Mohamed Azim calling for Israel to be punished as an "occupying power" Source: Infobae. UNESCO noted the need for international conservation support.