UNESCO petitioned to save Lebanon's heritage sites from Israeli strikes
Hundreds of cultural professionals – including archaeologists and academics – have called on the United Nations to safeguard Lebanon's heritage sites in a petition published ahead of a crucial UNESCO meeting in Paris.
Several Israeli strikes in recent weeks on Baalbek in the east of Lebanon and Tyre in the south – both strongholds of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah – hit close to ancient Roman ruins designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The petition, signed by 300 prominent cultural figures, was sent to UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay on Sunday – a day before a special session in the French capital to consider listing Lebanese cultural sites under "enhanced protection".
It urges UNESCO to protect Baalbek and other heritage sites by establishing "no-target zones" around them, deploying international observers and enforcing measures from the 1954 Hague Convention on cultural heritage in conflict.
"Lebanon's cultural heritage at large is being endangered by recurrent assaults on ancient cities such as Baalbek, Tyre and Anjar, all UNESCO world heritage sites, as well as on other historic landmarks," the petition says.
It calls on influential states to push for an end to military action that causes destruction of damage to sites, as well as adding protections or introducing sanctions.
Immunity from military attacks
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