Cultural Experts Urge UN to Protect Lebanon's Heritage

A petition signed by 300 cultural professionals, including archaeologists and academics, has urged the United Nations to take immediate action to protect Lebanon's UNESCO World Heritage sites from Israeli attacks. The appeal, coordinated by the charity Change Lebanon, comes ahead of a crucial UNESCO meeting in Paris, where the status of cultural sites in Lebanon will be discussed for potential 'enhanced protection'. The petition highlights the dangers posed by recent Israeli strikes near ancient cities such as Baalbek, Tyre, and Anjar, emphasizing the need for 'no-target zones' and international observers to safeguard these historic landmarks. Cultural experts argue that these sites are under threat from military actions and urge influential states to advocate for their protection. The UNESCO meeting aims to consider measures that would provide these heritage sites with high-level immunity from military attacks, a status that the petition seeks to establish. This call to action reflects the ongoing tensions in the region and the need to preserve cultural heritage amid conflict.