BEIRUT, Lebanon — Lebanese authorities on Thursday condemned Israeli strikes near UNESCO-protected heritage sites in southern Lebanon, including areas in Tyre and Nabatieh, as military operations intensified in the region, officials said.
Culture Minister Ghassan Salame said he contacted foreign counterparts and international organizations to alert them to damage affecting archaeological sites and historic districts in southern Lebanon, according to the state-run National News Agency.
Salame cited the ancient city of Tyre and Beaufort Castle, both of which carry UNESCO-listed protections.
He said these sites fall under enhanced protection and require safeguarding from military attacks.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said on social media that nothing justified the destruction in Tyre and Nabatieh and the damage to historical landmarks.
The Israeli military issued evacuation warnings for parts of Tyre before carrying out strikes, according to local reports and footage from the scene.
AFP video showed explosions and smoke rising after a strike hit an area near the city.
The municipality of Arnoun, where Beaufort Castle is located, condemned the strikes and called for protection of the site.
Israeli forces previously used Beaufort Castle as a military position during their occupation of southern Lebanon, which ended in 2000.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization granted provisional enhanced protection status to 34 Lebanese heritage sites in 2024, including Tyre and Beaufort Castle, citing obligations under the 1954 Hague Convention on cultural property protection.
UNESCO later added additional sites in Lebanon to the protected list in April.