Threatened Heritage: Israeli Airstrikes Endanger Lebanon's Ancient Ruins

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah poses a severe threat to historic sites in Lebanon, particularly the Roman ruins at Baalbek and Tyre, as Israeli airstrikes target areas near these ancient structures, raising alarms among archaeologists about the risk of irreparable damage.

Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have raised alarms about the potential destruction of ancient ruins, specifically the Roman temples at Baalbek, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has stood for over two millennia. A recent Israeli air assault targeted a car park near the ruins, resulting in the demolition of a centuries-old Ottoman structure and highlighting concerns that ongoing military action could lead to significant damage to Lebanon's historical sites. "Baalbek is irreplaceable. If it were bombed, it would be a crime," asserts Graham Philip, an archaeology professor at Durham University.

Since late September, Israel has intensified its military campaign against Hezbollah with thousands of airstrikes across various regions, including southern Lebanon, eastern Bekaa Valley, and suburbs of Beirut. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) maintain that their targets are military in nature but acknowledge that some of these sites are perilously close to historic locations, such as the Baalbek temples and the ancient port of Tyre, which is steeped in history as the birthplace of royal purple dye.

On October 23, evacuation orders were issued for neighborhoods adjacent to Baalbek, moments before bombings commenced, with reports emerging of significant destruction nearby. While no damage to the Roman sites has yet been confirmed, local archaeologists express deep concern over the escalating conflict. Joanne Farchakh Bajjaly, a Lebanese archaeologist, argues that the IDF has not provided justifiable explanations for bombings that risk cultural heritage sites.

The IDF claims a meticulous protocol governs their operations to minimize damage to sensitive historical structures. However, the risks posed by the ongoing conflict are not lost on local residents, who have sought refuge at the ancient ruins, believing that their UNESCO status would protect them against military targeting. This misguided belief has led authorities to warn against using these sites as shelters.

The potential ramifications of ongoing airstrikes on Lebanon's rich cultural heritage are significant. Erez Ben-Yosef, an Israeli archaeologist, notes that damage to such historically important sites would be catastrophic, not only for Lebanon but for global cultural heritage. Both local and international archaeologists are closely monitoring the situation, searching for signs of destruction amid the chaos of war.

As the conflict continues, the risk of collateral damage weighs heavily on the minds of researchers like Graham Philip, who has witnessed the effects of military action on historical sites in Gaza. He cautioned that while Israel may not intentionally target heritage sites, the unpredictability of warfare could inadvertently lead to their destruction. Ultimately, these ancient ruins represent more than mere remnants of the past; they are integral to the identity of the populations that cherish them.