UNESCO adds West Bank site, Lebanese castles to endangered heritage list

UNESCO has voted to inscribe Sebastia in the occupied West Bank and five castles in Lebanon's Mount Amel region, including Beaufort Castle, on both the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger, despite Israeli objections. The decision was made at a UNESCO meeting in Busan, South Korea, under an emergency procedure citing ongoing conflicts in the Middle East Source: AP News.

The Sites

• Sebastia: A hilltop site near Nablus identified as ancient Samaria, capital of the biblical Kingdom of Israel. Its ruins span the Iron Age, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods. Christian and Islamic tradition holds that John the Baptist was buried there Source: Al Jazeera. The Palestinian delegation first submitted the nomination in 2012, arguing that the site needs protection as Israeli authorities push to expropriate surrounding land for a national park Source: DW News.
• Lebanese castles: The five fortresses include Beaufort Castle, captured by Israeli forces in May amid operations against Hezbollah. Lebanon's culture minister said Israeli bombardment had already destroyed Shamaa Castle and threatened Beaufort Source: Al Jazeera. UNESCO noted the fortresses sustained damage from the conflict Source: DW News.

The Reaction

• Israel: Israel's Foreign Ministry urged the committee to reject the bids, calling them a "weaponization of cultural heritage" . Israeli delegates accused UNESCO of bias and of downplaying Jewish historical ties to the region .