Lebanon warns heritage at risk

UN to consider 'enhanced protection'

BEIRUT:

The UN cultural agency UNESCO said Thursday it would consider enhanced protection of ancient sites in Lebanon after a wave of near-misses in strikes by Israel triggered an appeal by Lebanese lawmakers.

Several Israeli strikes in recent weeks on the eastern city of Baalbek and the southern city of Tyre -- both strongholds of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah -- have hit close to ancient Roman ruins designated by UNESCO as World Heritage sites.

A UNESCO committee will meet in extraordinary session in Paris on November 18 to consider the inscription of Lebanese heritage sites on UNESCO's list of sites under "enhanced protection", the agency said.

Enhanced protection status gives heritage sites "high-level immunity from military attacks", UNESCO said, warning that "criminal prosecutions and sanctions, conducted by the competent authorities, may apply in cases where individuals do not respect the enhanced protection granted to a cultural property".

The announcement came after more than 100 Lebanese lawmakers appealed to UNESCO to ensure the preservation of heritage sites in areas heavily bombed by Israel during its war with Hezbollah.

"During the devastating war on Lebanon, Israel has caused grave human rights violations and atrocities," the lawmakers said in their appeal to UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay.

"As parliamentarians, we bring to your attention an urgent need: the protection of Lebanon's historic sites in Baalbek, Tyre, Sidon, and other invaluable landmarks currently at risk due to the escalation of the atrocities," it said.

"These cherished landmarks, treasured not only by our nation but by the world, face imminent risk as the war escalates."