The cultural agency of the United Nations has added several historical landmarks, including Crusader castles in southern Lebanon and an ancient archaeological site in the West Bank, to its list of World Heritage in Danger.
The decision was taken on Friday following a vote by all 196 member states during an emergency procedure to protect cultural heritage threatened by active military conflict and development plans.
Among the newly listed sites is Beaufort Castle, also known locally as Qalaat al-Shakif, located in the mountainous Jabal Amel region of southern Lebanon.
Israeli forces captured the Crusader fortress in May during ongoing military operations against the militant group Hezbollah.
UNESCO confirmed that five historical castles in the area have suffered physical damage and face continuing structural risks from heavy regional bombardment.
Lebanese Culture Minister Ghassan Salame welcomed the decision, describing the endangered status as a key step toward safeguarding critical national landmarks.
Culture Minister Ghassan Salame added that state authorities could currently access only two of the five listed castles due to ongoing military presence in the south.
The agency also placed the archaeological site of Sebastia, situated near the West Bank city of Nablus, on the endangered list.
Sebastia contains significant historic ruins dating back to ancient Israelite and Roman periods, known historically as Samaria.
Palestinian residents have long operated local tourism around the ruins, but recent land expropriation projects threaten the structural integrity of the area.
UNESCO warned that plans to build a national park, alongside dedicated access roads and perimeter fencing, risk dividing the historic property.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticised the agency's decision, arguing that the designation was politically motivated and sought to diminish historic Jewish ties to the region.
