Israeli Airstrikes Threaten Historic Heritage in Lebanon

Fri Mar 14 2025 15:07:44 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)
Israeli Airstrikes Threaten Historic Heritage in Lebanon

Archaeologists express concern as Israeli bombings near Baalbek and Tyre risk damage to ancient Roman ruins.


Recent Israeli airstrikes close to the UNESCO-designated Roman ruins in Baalbek and Tyre have raised alarm among archaeologists. These attacks jeopardize invaluable cultural heritage sites essential to Lebanon's identity.


Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have begun affecting critical historical sites, prompting fears of significant cultural losses. Close to Baalbek's renowned Roman temples—a UNESCO World Heritage site going back over 2,000 years—military actions targeted a car park merely meters away, along with destructive effects on nearby Ottoman structures. Archaeologist Graham Philip from Durham University has underscored the irreplaceable nature of Baalbek, stating, "It would be a huge loss. It would be a crime." Since late September, Israel has intensified its air campaign against Hezbollah, targeting various locations across Lebanon, including the suburbs of Beirut and the Bekaa Valley. Recently, the strikes have drawn alarmingly close to ancient ruins of Tyre and Baalbek.

Although the Israeli military maintains that it is careful to strike only military sites—taking into account the proximity of sensitive areas—local experts question the strategy. Archaeologist Joanne Farchakh Bajjaly remarked on the potential consequences for these remarkable remnants of history. "For Baalbek, it was worse than Tyre, because the temples are in the areas being targeted," she explained, noting the absence of Hezbollah facilities nearby.

In light of the conflict, some civilians have sought refuge in the ruins, wrongly perceiving them as safer havens. In response, local authorities have urged people to avoid congregating around these structurally vulnerable sites. This battle for safety amidst uncertainty poses a dilemma—while ordinary citizens seek shelter in culturally significant zones, their actions inadvertently increase risks of destruction.

Notably, Israeli archaeologist Erez Ben-Yosef asserts that efforts are in place to prevent damage to archaeological treasures. He emphasizes that military protocols include stringent evaluations prior to striking, considering the risk to heritage sites. Graham Philip finds it crucial to acknowledge that targeting cultural landmarks intentionally seldom serves military objectives. However, he cautions against the practical risks of errant ordnance causing unintended harm. These threats extend back to similar military conflicts in Gaza, where UNESCO reported significant damage to vital heritage sites amidst violence that escalated in early October 2023.

With echoes of historical significance, ancient ruins are seen as vital chronicles of identity; the implications of their potential destruction would resonate far beyond their immediate geographical context. As the world watches, the struggle for cultural preservation amid conflict remains ever pertinent, intertwining national heritage with the lives of the Lebanese people.

MORE ON THEME

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 12:31:07 GMT

Hamas Offers to Free American-Israeli Hostage Amid Ongoing Tensions

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 12:31:07 GMT
Thu, 13 Mar 2025 17:22:51 GMT

U.N. Report Alleges Israel Committed Genocide Through Targeted Attacks on Health Facilities in Gaza

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 17:22:51 GMT
Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:40:00 GMT

National Rally's Jordan Bardella Makes Historic Visit to Israel Amid Party Transformation

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 15:40:00 GMT
Thu, 13 Mar 2025 13:18:28 GMT

**Israel-Hamas Cease-Fire Talks Stall as U.S. Envoy Shifts Focus to Ukraine**

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 13:18:28 GMT
Wed, 12 Mar 2025 21:21:07 GMT

Iran Dismisses U.S. Nuclear Talks Amid Rising Tensions

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 21:21:07 GMT
Wed, 12 Mar 2025 20:46:55 GMT

US Envoy in Qatar to Facilitate Gaza Ceasefire Extension Talks

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 20:46:55 GMT
Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:20:05 GMT

US Envoy Engages in Crucial Talks to Extend Gaza Ceasefire Amid Growing Tensions

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 15:20:05 GMT
Wed, 12 Mar 2025 00:51:58 GMT

Mo Amer: Navigating Comedy and Identity in Difficult Times

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 00:51:58 GMT
Wed, 12 Mar 2025 00:50:14 GMT

Gada Ceremony Unites Thousands in Southern Ethiopia for Leadership Transition

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 00:50:14 GMT
Tue, 11 Mar 2025 19:52:45 GMT

Israel and Lebanon Initiate Border Negotiations to Address Longstanding Tensions

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 19:52:45 GMT
Tue, 11 Mar 2025 15:20:58 GMT

Oldest Jewish Ritual Bath Discovered Near Rome

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 15:20:58 GMT
Tue, 11 Mar 2025 09:29:03 GMT

**Despair Casts Shadow Over Ramadan for Displaced Palestinians in West Bank**

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 09:29:03 GMT
Mon, 10 Mar 2025 12:53:09 GMT

Plans for Postwar Gaza: Are They Viable?

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 12:53:09 GMT
Mon, 10 Mar 2025 06:48:28 GMT

Israel Initiates Total Electricity Cut to Gaza Amid Hostage Crisis

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 06:48:28 GMT
Sun, 09 Mar 2025 20:54:48 GMT

Israel Cuts Electricity to Gaza in Bid to Pressure Hamas Amid Cease-Fire Talks

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 20:54:48 GMT
Sun, 09 Mar 2025 19:48:06 GMT

**Israel Implements Electricity Cut to Gaza in Hostage Negotiations**

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 19:48:06 GMT
Sun, 09 Mar 2025 15:03:52 GMT

European Nations Support Arab Plan for Gaza Reconstruction Amid Ongoing Conflict

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 15:03:52 GMT
Sun, 09 Mar 2025 10:40:03 GMT

Iran Denounces 'Bullying' Countries Following Trump's Demands for Negotiation

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 10:40:03 GMT
Sun, 09 Mar 2025 04:08:10 GMT

Alawite Community in Syria Faces Unprecedented Violence Amidst Ongoing Conflict

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 04:08:10 GMT
Sat, 08 Mar 2025 14:08:57 GMT

European Nations Endorse $53 Billion Arab Plan for Gaza Reconstruction

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 14:08:57 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.