Israeli strikes damage heritage sites in southern Lebanon

A nearly four-month Israeli military campaign in southern Lebanon has caused extensive damage to cultural and religious heritage sites across the region, according to Lebanon's Culture Minister Ghassan Salame. Despite a ceasefire that took effect a week ago, officials say they cannot fully assess the destruction because Israeli forces remain stationed in a zone approximately 10 kilometers deep inside Lebanese territory.

Salame said the damage spans UNESCO World Heritage sites, historic cities, and centuries-old border villages. The affected area includes the ancient port city of Tyre, where a decorative crown was blown off an ancient Roman column at the Al-Bass archaeological site. The historic Mamluk-era market in Nabatieh was heavily damaged by strikes, and there are concerns that the Crusader-era fortress in Tebnin may also have been hit. A pilgrimage site revered by both Muslims and Christians was reportedly destroyed in another southern town.

The zone currently under Israeli control contains significant sites inaccessible to Lebanese authorities, including the medieval Beaufort Castle and numerous historic villages. Salame stated that entire villages within this area have...