Israel's offensive in southern Lebanon damages heritage sites and farms

Israeli forces intensified their campaign in southern Lebanon, carrying out air strikes on Mansuri and Majdal Zun, heavy machine‑gun fire on Basra and a demolition operation near Khiam. An explosion in the Nabatieh governorate was linked to tunnel‑clearing work, and soldiers forced farmers off fields between Ain Arab and Mari, expanding the de‑facto security zone along the Blue Line.

Lebanese cultural authorities warned that the hostilities also endanger the country's archaeological legacy. Seventy‑three sites under reinforced UNESCO protection are at risk, and museums have relocated artefacts to safe storage. Archaeologists highlighted the loss of villages and historic landscapes, citing notable finds such as Phoenician sarcophagi and the king Ahiram inscription as examples of what could be lost if the conflict continues.