UNESCO adds West Bank site and Lebanese castles to World Heritage List despite Israeli objections
Summary
UNESCO has added the West Bank town of Sebastia and several castles in southern Lebanon to its World Heritage List. Israel objected to these decisions, saying the nominations were political and ignored the sites' Jewish and Christian history.Key Facts
- UNESCO approved Sebastia in the West Bank and five castles in Lebanon’s Mount Amel area as World Heritage Sites.
- The sites were also added to the List of World Heritage in Danger.
- Sebastia is known as ancient Samaria, linked to biblical history and John the Baptist’s burial tradition.
- The Palestinian delegation first submitted Sebastia’s nomination in 2012 to help preserve the site.
- Israel’s Foreign Ministry opposed the nominations, calling them politically motivated and a “weaponization” of cultural heritage.
- Israel does not recognize a Palestinian state and has been expanding land expropriation near Sebastia.
- The Lebanese castles show architectural influences from Crusader to Mamluk periods.
- Israel withdrew from UNESCO in 2019, citing bias against it regarding historical sites.
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