**UNESCO Places Occupied West Bank and Lebanon Sites on Endangered Heritage List**
On July 24, 2026, UNESCO officially added several sites in the occupied West Bank and Lebanon to its list of endangered World Heritage sites, a decision made during a committee vote at the organization's meeting in Busan, South Korea. This action occurred despite significant objections from Israel, which has long disputed the heritage status of these locations.
The decision to include these sites was taken under an emergency procedure, citing the ongoing conflicts in the region and their detrimental impact on cultural heritage. A total of six locations were added to both the main World Heritage list and the endangered list during the session.
Among the newly listed sites is Sebastia, a significant archaeological area located near Nablus in the occupied West Bank. Historically recognized as ancient Samaria, the site has ruins that date back to various periods, including the Iron Age, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic eras. It is also notable for its religious significance, as both Christian and Islamic traditions hold that John the Baptist is buried there.
The push for Sebastia's recognition as a protected heritage site began in 2012, when Palestinian officials expressed concerns over Israeli plans to expropriate approximately 200 hectares (500 acres) of land surrounding the site for the creation of a national park. This development raised fears that it would restrict access to the site for Palestinians and commercialize the area, potentially undermining the local tourism industry.
In addition to Sebastia, UNESCO also listed five fortresses in southern Lebanon, including Beaufort Castle, a medieval stronghold that was captured by Israeli forces in May during their conflict with Hezbollah. The Lebanese Ministry of Culture reported that one of the castles, Shamaa Castle, had already been destroyed due to Israeli bombardment, while Beaufort Castle itself was under threat.
The listing of these sites has heightened tensions between Israel and UNESCO. Israel's foreign ministry has campaigned against the inclusion of these locations, arguing that the West Bank listing seeks to erase the Jewish historical connection to the land. In contrast, a Palestinian delegate credited the residents of Sebastia with protecting the site "despite occupation" and ongoing restrictions.
The situation reflects a broader rift between Israel and UNESCO, which Israel left in 2019, citing accusations of bias against the organization. Since then, Israel has participated in UNESCO meetings only as an observer.
The recent UNESCO decisions also come on the heels of the addition of the ancient city of Tyre in Lebanon to the endangered list earlier in the week. An investigation by Al Jazeera revealed patterns of land-clearing and demolition in Tyre, further underscoring the urgent need for international attention to the preservation of cultural heritage in conflict zones.
As the situation develops, the implications of these listings for both local communities and international relations remain to be seen. The inclusion of these sites on the endangered list highlights the ongoing struggles over cultural heritage amid the backdrop of conflict and political disputes in the region.