Israeli Bombardment Endangers Lebanon's Historic Antiquities

The continuous violence between Israel and Hezbollah has not only strained humanitarian conditions in Lebanon but has also jeopardized monumental historical sites, prompting urgent responses from conservationists and military forces.

The picturesque landscape of Lebanon is currently defined by conflict and devastation as Israeli airstrikes have wreaked havoc on the nation, particularly threatening its antiquities that have withstood the test of time for millennia. Among these treasures are the Roman-era temples of Baalbek, cherished by locals like Mohammad Kanso, whose family has tended to these majestic sites for generations. The ongoing violence has forced many, including Mr. Kanso, to evacuate, with destruction striking perilously close to the iconic temple complex.

The violence, part of a broader conflict instigated by Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah, has turned Lebanon’s cultural heritage into collateral damage. Recent reports indicate an alarming toll of over 3,700 fatalities and nearly 1.2 million displaced individuals, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry, compounding the humanitarian crisis.

To combat the looming threat to cultural landmarks, various stakeholders, including archaeologists and military personnel, are mobilizing to protect the country's rich historical tapestry, which showcases treasures from the Phoenician, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. This urgency has inspired UNESCO to place 34 key cultural sites across Lebanon on a list for enhanced protection—a declaration that emphasizes the gravity of attacks on these sites, potentially invoking international legal repercussions under the Hague Convention.

However, concerns loom large as significant cultural artifacts are notably absent from this protected list. Such omissions have already led to instances of loss and destruction, including historic landmarks and cherished local establishments that represent Lebanon’s diverse heritage. With the cultural heart of Lebanon at stake, the intensified conflict raises questions on the future of its antiquities amid the chaos of war.