During its 46th session in New Delhi, the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO announced the inclusion of the ancient St. Hilarion Monastery, also known as Tell Umm Amer, located in Gaza, on the World Heritage List and the List of Sites in Danger. This decision comes in response to the ongoing conflict in the region.
Although the monastery has been on UNESCO’s tentative list of heritage sites since 2012, its official inclusion was expedited due to emergency procedures prompted by the sensitive situation. This designation allows the site to receive technical and financial assistance for its protection and potential restoration.
The St. Hilarion Monastery, dating back to the fourth century, is one of the oldest and largest monastic complexes in the Middle East and is regarded as the first home of the monastic community in the Holy Land.
In a statement, UNESCO highlighted that “the decision recognizes the value of the site and the need to protect it,” expressing significant concern about the impact of the conflict on heritage sites in the Gaza Strip.
Numerous religious and historical sites, including museums and the Grand Mosque, have been destroyed in the recent airstrikes. UNESCO has called on the parties involved to adhere to international law, emphasizing the importance of protecting cultural property and refraining from using it for military purposes.
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