Overview

• UNESCO plans an emergency session on November 18 to discuss enhanced protection for Lebanese heritage sites at risk from Israeli airstrikes.
• Recent Israeli airstrikes near Baalbek have endangered Roman ruins and other historic sites, sparking appeals from Lebanese lawmakers to UNESCO.
• Despite the proximity of strikes, preliminary assessments show no visible damage to UNESCO World Heritage sites in Baalbek and Tyre.
• Lebanon's cultural heritage, including sites in Baalbek, Tyre, and Sidon, is under threat as the conflict with Hezbollah escalates.
• UNESCO and Lebanese authorities are using remote sensing tools and satellite imagery to monitor potential impacts on cultural sites.