UNESCO Lists Sebastia and Beaufort Castle as Endangered Heritage Sites Amid Controversy
UNESCO's World Heritage Committee has added the archaeological site of Sebastia in the northern West Bank and five fortresses in southern Lebanon to the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger. The decision, made during a session in Busan, South Korea, was based on threats linked to ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts. Palestinian officials welcomed the recognition, citing neglect and insufficient conservation under Israeli control. Israel opposed the move, accusing the Palestinian delegation of politicizing cultural heritage and attempting to erase Jewish and Christian history. The site of Sebastia, identified with ancient Samaria, contains remains from various historical periods and is believed to house the tomb of John the Baptist. 
