UNESCO places Lebanon’s ancient Tyre on World Heritage in Danger list
Israeli bombardment damages historic archaeological site, prompting UNESCO to place one of the Mediterranean's oldest cities on its World Heritage in Danger list
PARIS, France (MNTV) — UNESCO has added the ancient Lebanese city of Tyre to its World Heritage in Danger list after recent conflict caused damage to the archaeological site and raised concerns over its long-term preservation, according to AFP.
The UN cultural agency said the historic site had been directly affected by Israeli bombardment and warned that its condition had deteriorated to a level where its outstanding cultural value could no longer be adequately protected. UNESCO said the Lebanese government requested the site’s inclusion on the danger list.
Located about 80 kilometers south of Beirut near the Israeli border, Tyre was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 and is home to significant Roman-era archaeological remains, including a triumphal arch and one of the world’s largest ancient hippodromes.
The city was heavily affected during the recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Large numbers of residents fled after Israeli evacuation orders covered parts of the city, including areas close to important archaeological sites, although many have since returned.
Lebanese Culture Minister Ghassan Salame welcomed UNESCO’s decision, saying the designation would draw greater international attention to the protection of one of the region’s most historically significant cultural sites.
One of Tyre’s protected archaeological zones was struck during an Israeli air raid in June.
Lebanese cultural authorities said the attack damaged an administrative building, while debris from nearby explosions affected several archaeological features, including ancient columns, capitals and mosaics.
Founded nearly 4,700 years ago, Tyre is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Mediterranean and has been shaped by successive Phoenician, Persian, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine civilizations.
Earlier this year, Lebanese officials accused Israel of violating international agreements requiring the protection of cultural heritage during armed conflict, including obligations under the 1954 Hague Convention and internationally recognized cultural protection measures.
UNESCO announced the designation during the 48th session of its World Heritage Committee, currently being held in Busan, South Korea.
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