Lebanese Lawmakers Seek UN Protection for Heritage Sites

More than 100 Lebanese lawmakers have called on the United Nations to protect the country's heritage sites, particularly those in Baalbek, Tyre, and Sidon, which are at risk due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes. Recent airstrikes have resulted in the demolition of an Ottoman-era building near the UNESCO-listed Baalbek temples, leading to fatalities and prompting residents to evacuate. The Baalbek provincial governor has raised concerns about the safety of these historic sites, while cultural experts emphasize the significant loss to Lebanese heritage and history if these sites are damaged. Meanwhile, Iran has condemned the Israeli aggression and called for international action to protect Lebanon's infrastructure. As casualties rise, with reports of over 60 deaths, the attacks have intensified, raising alarms about the humanitarian crisis in the region. The threat to Baalbek's archaeological treasures underscores the broader implications for understanding the region's complex history and cultural identity.