UNESCO places occupied West Bank, Lebanon sites on endangered heritage list

UNESCO has added a biblical archaeological site in the occupied West Bank, Sebastia, and five Lebanese castles to its list of endangered World Heritage sites. The decision was made by a committee vote on Friday in Busan, South Korea, utilizing an emergency procedure due to ongoing conflicts in the region. Palestinian officials had sought the listing for Sebastia, identified as ancient Samaria, to protect it from Israeli plans for a national park that would restrict Palestinian access and tourism. Among the Lebanese sites is Beaufort Castle, which was recently seized by Israeli troops. The listings were approved despite objections and a campaign by Israel's foreign ministry to have them rejected.

A United Nations committee has inscribed a major archaeological site in the West Bank, Sebastia, and five castles in Lebanon's Mount Amel area as World Heritage sites, despite Israeli objections. Israel's Foreign Ministry had urged the committee to reject the nominations, calling them a "weaponization of cultural heritage" and accusing the Palestinian delegation of a "hostile, one-sided campaign." Sebastia, identified as ancient Samara, has archaeological remains spanning multiple periods, and Christian and Islamic tradition holds John the Baptist was buried there. The Lebanese castles are recognized for their layered architectural heritage. Both Sebastia and the Lebanese castles were also placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger. Israel withdrew from UNESCO in 2019, citing bias.