UNESCO's committee for the protection of cultural heritage has decided to provide temporary enhanced support to 34 cultural heritage sites in Lebanon. If the warring parties damage these sites, it may now be considered a war crime.
The decision was made after a series of Israeli attacks that have damaged culturally protected buildings. Above all, the concern has been about the bombings of the historic city of Baalbek, where some of the world's best-preserved Roman ruins are located.
Hundreds of cultural workers and archaeologists have requested the extended protection for Baalbek and Tyre. Lebanon has also requested support of approximately 900,000 kronor, which was approved. It will be used, among other things, to purchase necessary equipment for documenting and securing cultural properties.
The metropolitan area of Baalbek had over 100,000 inhabitants before the war, but many have left the city since Israel launched its extensive attacks on Lebanon on September 23.
