Lebanon appeals to Unesco to intervene amid fears protected citadel has been destroyed

Lebanon’s Ministry of Culture has filed an urgent complaint with Unesco over fears that Israeli forces have destroyed the 12th-century Chama’ Citadel, a site granted enhanced protection in 2024. Samar Karam, director of archaeological sites at Lebanon’s Directorate General of Antiquities in North Lebanon, said authorities contacted Unesco officials Lazare Eloundou Assomo and Krista Pikkat on Monday, 13 April, citing reports of “destruction and complete demolition” by military bulldozing as Israeli forces occupy the area amid fighting with Hezbollah. Because on-site assessment is currently impossible, Lebanon has asked Unesco to evaluate damage using satellite imagery, and Karam said a 10-day ceasefire announced on Thursday by Donald Trump could potentially allow access, though Israeli withdrawal is uncertain. Unesco’s enhanced protection status—under the 1954 Hague Convention—prohibits targeting or militarizing protected sites, and Lebanon has also raised concerns about other cultural properties in areas under Israeli control, including Dubieh Castle in Chakra and Oum El Amed near Naqoura.

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