UNESCO places Lebanon’s historic city of Tyre on World Heritage in Danger list

During the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, Lebanon’s ancient Phoenician city of Tyre was added to the List of World Heritage in Danger. The city, located about 20 km from the Israeli border on Lebanon’s southern coast, has suffered direct damage from Israeli air strikes that began in March 2024 during the conflict with Hezbollah. UNESCO noted that “the property was directly affected and suffered damage” and warned that its conservation state is deteriorating with a risk of further impacts.

Tyre contains two protected zones with Roman‑era remains, including a triumphal arch and a second‑century hippodrome, one of which was hit directly in June. The Lebanese government requested the emergency listing, citing ongoing bombardments and mass evacuations of residents.

In the same decision, UNESCO also placed several other Lebanese sites – notably the medieval castles of Jabal Amel – and the archaeological site of Sebastia in the occupied West Bank on the danger list, highlighting broader threats to cultural heritage in the region.