Israeli Air Strikes Raise Alarm Over Ancient Ruins in Lebanon

The recent Israeli air strikes near the Roman ruins of Baalbek in Lebanon have alarmed archaeologists, who warn that ongoing military actions may irreparably damage invaluable historical sites. While no direct damage has been reported yet, experts emphasize the need for caution amid rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.

The ancient Roman temples at Baalbek, Lebanon, stand as remarkable testaments to over two millennia of history and architectural prowess. However, recent Israeli air strikes, including one that struck a car park just meters from this UNESCO World Heritage site, have raised alarms about the potential risk to these invaluable cultural assets. Archaeologists are now voicing concerns about the impact of escalating military operations on the region’s historical legacy.

Graham Philip, an archaeology professor at Durham University, highlighted the significance of Baalbek, stating, “You couldn’t replace it if someone bombed it. It would be a huge loss. It would be a crime.” This sentiment reflects the broader apprehension among the archaeological community regarding Israel's intensified campaign against Hezbollah since late September. Thousands of air strikes have targeted southern Lebanon and, more recently, near historical locations like Baalbek and Tyre.

Israel maintains that its military operations focus on Hezbollah’s military installations. However, the proximity of these targets raises concerns regarding collateral damage, particularly as UNESCO-designated sites are in the vicinity. An IDF statement affirmed that strikes are conducted thoughtfully to minimize risks to sensitive structures, adding that every effort is made to avoid damage to historical sites.

Despite these assurances, locals have begun to flock to Baalbek’s ancient ruins, seeking refuge amidst the bombings, believing the historical significance of these sites would deter attacks. “Those who didn’t have a car to flee moved closer to the ruins, in the belief that the UNESCO sites are considered more valuable than their lives,” stated local archaeologist Joanne Farchakh Bajjaly. This sentiment prompted a local warning against using the ruins as a safety refuge, emphasizing the inherent risks involved.

Erez Ben-Yosef, an Israeli archaeologist, echoed these concerns, cautioning that damage to significant archaeological sites would represent a “huge loss to the cultural heritage of Lebanon and indeed the entire world.” He underscored the preventative measures taken by military personnel, many of whom are also trained in archaeology, to mitigate such risks.

Experts, including Philip, remain wary of the unpredictability of warfare. He stated, “If you drop enough ordnance, not all of that lands within 25 metres of the target.” With precedents in Gaza demonstrating the wartime destruction of cultural heritage sites, it remains unclear how this conflict might similarly impact Lebanon's archaeological treasures.

The alarm raised by experts and local historians emphasizes the need for international oversight and protection of these immutable cultural landmarks during armed conflicts. As tensions simmer in the region and the stakes for such historical sites grow higher, the imperative to safeguard remains urgent for both the Lebanese people and the global community. The broad implications of lost heritage are tangible, akin to losing a piece of the identity that binds societies across the globe.