Salameh denounces Israeli aggression targeting cultural, civilizational heritage of Lebanese archaeological sites
Minister of Culture Ghassan Salameh condemned the targeting of the archaeological site of Al-Bass in Tyre, stating: There is no military or security presence there, and this argument cannot be used to justify bombing or harming such sites.
Salameh denounced the Israeli aggression targeting the cultural and civilizational heritage of Lebanese archaeological sites after parts of the Al‑Bass Archaeological Site in the city of Tyre sustained material damage within the site as a result of actions by the enemy.
Salameh said: The site is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is also included under enhanced protection according to the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its Second Protocol within UNESCO, which provides enhanced protection during armed conflicts.
The Minister of Culture also confirmed that, after contacting security agencies and governors across various Lebanese regions, archaeological sites do not contain any military or security presence, and therefore this claim cannot be used as justification for bombing or harming them. He added that these sites are directly managed by the Directorate General of Antiquities.
It is worth noting that, in a preemptive step, Minister Salameh had earlier made a phone call to the Director-General of UNESCO in Paris, Dr. Khaled El‑Enany, requesting intervention on behalf of the Ministry of Culture and the Lebanese government to protect Lebanese heritage during the armed conflict. He also sent an official letter urging the adoption of all preventive measures during this armed conflict involving Lebanon to protect and preserve Lebanese cultural heritage and refrain from targeting it.
