Israeli Strikes Damage Beaufort Castle and Tyre; Unesco and Lebanon Issue Warnings

Israeli military operations have damaged the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tyre and the historic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, prompting urgent warnings from Icomos Lebanon, UNESCO, and the Lebanese Ministry of Culture. On 8 June, Icomos condemned a strike at Tyre's entrance, which damaged administrative buildings and archaeological warehouses, with full damage assessment pending due to security concerns. UNESCO confirmed damage to Tyre, Beaufort Castle, and Chama' Citadel—all under Enhanced Protection—and has stepped up support as of 9 June. Lebanese Culture Minister Ghassan Salameh wrote to UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany on 5 June, requesting intervention to prevent Beaufort Castle's destruction after Israeli forces captured it on 31 May. The 12th-century Crusader fortress, visited by T.E. Lawrence in 1909, has been a symbol of Lebanon's conflict, previously held by Israel in 1982 and later by Hezbollah and Amal. An IDF spokesperson stated the area was targeted due to Hezbollah launching missiles from there, but Lebanon's Directorate General of Antiquities disputed this, warning such claims could justify attacks. Beaufort Castle, under Lebanese culture ministry protection since 2000 and granted UNESCO enhanced protection in 2024, now faces potential destruction. Israeli archaeologist Alon Arad of Emek Shaveh noted that turning cultural sites into military symbols makes them legitimate targets, contrary to international law.