Ancient Heritage Threatened Amid Ongoing Airstrikes in Lebanon

Archaeologists warn that current Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, particularly near the UNESCO-protected Roman ruins of Baalbek and Tyre, threaten significant historical sites, causing concern over potential irreparable damage to timeless cultural heritage.

Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have heightened fears for the preservation of the country's ancient ruins, especially the renowned Roman temples at Baalbek. Recently, a targeted strike hit a car park adjacent to this UNESCO World Heritage site, destroying a historic Ottoman building and amplifying concerns over the safety of numerous historical locations amidst ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. "Baalbek is irreplaceable; its loss would be tantamount to a crime," cautioned Graham Philip, an archaeology professor at Durham University.

Since late September, Israel has intensified its campaign in Lebanon, unleashing thousands of airstrikes primarily focused on Hezbollah targets believed to be located in southern regions and the Bekaa Valley. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has emphasized that military compliance includes consideration of sensitive sites; however, urban developments in proximity to Baalbek raise alarms among local archaeologists. Despite the absence of reported damage to ancient sites thus far, experts like Joanne Farchakh Bajjaly express apprehension due to the attacks occurring in the vicinity of these irreplaceable structures, noting that nearby neighborhoods received evacuation orders just before increased bombing.

As tensions escalate, some Lebanese citizens are reportedly seeking refuge in the ancient ruins, assuming that their historical significance will protect them from being targeted. Nevertheless, Bajjaly warns against this belief, stating, “Those who see the ruins as a shelter are misguided.” Israeli archaeologist Erez Ben-Yosef suggests that while military protocol aims to minimize cultural damage, the unpredictability of warfare could change this calculus.

While Graham Philip observes that intentional targeting of historic sites seems unlikely from a strategic standpoint, he notes the inherent risk of errant strikes in a conflict environment. Drawing parallels with previous military actions in Gaza, he reflects on the profound impact of such destruction on collective identity, saying, "It's akin to losing a piece of one's soul."

Overall, the ongoing conflict not only presents immediate human costs but also threatens to obscure the rich cultural legacy of Lebanon, intensifying calls for vigilance in preserving these vital historical resources.