UNESCO Urged to Investigate Israeli Explosion Near Lebanon's Beaufort Castle
Icomos Lebanon has called for an immediate investigation following the detonation of 700 tonnes of explosives by Israeli forces near Beaufort Castle (Qalaat Al Shaqif) in southern Lebanon on Thursday, 30 July. This incident occurred shortly after the site was added to UNESCO's World Heritage List and Danger List on 25 July. The explosions, which registered as a 3.8-magnitude earthquake, were aimed at suspected Hezbollah tunnels. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the operation. The Lebanese Ministry of Culture recognized the possibility of damage but could not evaluate it due to the ongoing Israeli occupation. An unnamed official suggested the blast likely impacted the castle and nearby areas. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attack, and a UNESCO spokesperson expressed concern, while Icomos Lebanon requested a technical assessment.
Key facts
- Israeli forces detonated 700 tonnes of explosives near Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon on 30 July 2026.
- The explosion occurred less than a week after Beaufort Castle was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List and Danger List.
- Lebanon's National Centre for Geophysics recorded seismic waves equivalent to a 3.8-magnitude earthquake.
- Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the attack, saying it targeted 'terror tunnels' used by Hezbollah.
- Lebanese Ministry of Culture refuted claims that the castle was destroyed but said damage is possible.
- Beaufort Castle dates back to the 12th-century Crusader era and was captured by Israeli forces in late May.
- The castle was part of a group of five castles inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List on 25 July.
- Icomos Lebanon called for an independent technical assessment and for UNESCO to request a formal accounting from Israel.
- A UNESCO spokesperson expressed concern and said a technical assessment will be necessary.
- Israel and Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire in April, with both sides accusing each other of violations.
Entities
Institutions
- Icomos Lebanon
- UNESCO
- World Heritage Committee
- Lebanese Ministry of Culture
- The Art Newspaper
- Associated Press
- Hezbollah
- Israel Defense Forces
Locations
- Lebanon
- Beaufort Castle
- Qalaat Al Shaqif
- Nabatieh governorate
- Galilee
- Busan
- South Korea
- Mount Amel
- Qalaat Tibnin
- Qalaat Chakra
- Qalaat Deir Kifa
- Qalaat Chama'