UNESCO adds West Bank site and Lebanese castles to World Heritage List despite Israeli objections

A United Nations committee in Busan, South Korea, inscribed a significant archaeological site in the West Bank and a collection of castles in southern Lebanon on the World Heritage List, despite strong objections from Israel. The decision, made at a UNESCO meeting, also placed these sites on the List of World Heritage in Danger due to ongoing Middle East conflicts. Israel's Foreign Ministry had urged the committee to reject the nominations, labeling them a "weaponization of cultural heritage" and accusing the Palestinian delegation of a "hostile, one-sided campaign" to erase Jewish and Christian history from the Sebastia site. Israel also objected to the listing of Beaufort Castle, alleging its use as a military stronghold by Hezbollah.

• Sebastia, identified as ancient Samaria, is a hilltop town northwest of Nablus with archaeological remains spanning various historical periods.
• The five castles in Lebanon's Mount Amel region, including Beaufort Castle, are recognized for their layered architectural heritage from Crusader, Ayyubid, Mamluk, and local influences.
• Adel Naim Daoud Atieh of the Palestinian delegation stated the designation rewards the perseverance of Sebastia's residents "who have protected this extraordinary site through generations, despite occupation, restrictions, and repeated attempts to separate them from their own heritage."
• UNESCO stated that all nominations are evaluated under the same criteria and procedures, and it does not take positions on political disputes.