UNESCO lists Sebastia and Lebanese castles as World Heritage sites

On 25 July 2026 the UNESCO World Heritage Committee met in Busan, South Korea and voted to inscribe the archaeological town of Sebastia in the occupied West Bank and five medieval castles in Lebanon’s Mount Amel region on both the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger. The decision was taken under an emergency procedure because the sites are threatened by the ongoing Israeli‑Palestinian conflict.

Sebastia, located near Nablus, is identified as ancient Samaria, the capital of the biblical Kingdom of Israel. Its ruins span the Iron Age, Roman, Byzantine and Islamic periods and, according to Christian and Muslim tradition, include the tomb of John the Baptist. Palestinian officials say Israeli plans to expropriate around 200 ha of land for a national park would limit access and endanger the site’s tourism‑based economy.

The Lebanese entries are five forts – including Beaufort Castle, Shamaa, and three others – that illustrate nine centuries of Crusader, Ayyubid, Mamluk and Ottoman architecture. Israel objected, branding the nominations as “political weaponisation of cultural heritage” and claiming some castles are being used for military purposes. Lebanese authorities and the Palestinian delegation welcomed the listings, saying they provide international protection against further damage.

Despite Israel’s protest, the committee approved the sites, citing the need to safeguard cultural heritage amid regional hostilities.