To: UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay

We the undersigned INTELLECTUALS FOR LEBANON THINK TANK scholars, and cultural heritage experts, urgently call upon UNESCO and the international community to take immediate action to protect Lebanon's irreplaceable archaeological and historical sites from destruction in the ongoing conflict.

Of grave concern are the recent Israeli airstrikes that have endangered the ancient Roman ruins of Baalbek, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Additionally, the Tayr Debba Mosque, Kfar Tebnit Mosque, the Dardghaya Church, and the Blida Mosque—all ancient religious landmarks designated as heritage buildings—have been affected by the war. The Tebnin Castle, a Crusader castle east of the Lebanese city of Tyre, was directly struck by the Israeli military.

Earlier this month, an airstrike landed less than a mile from the temples, with images showing smoke rising behind the iconic columns. The 2,000-year-old temples of Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury are among the finest examples of Imperial Roman architecture and have immense historical and cultural value.

Beyond Baalbek, other significant heritage sites have already suffered damage:In Baalbek, part of the 13th century Qubbat Doris shrine has broken off due to nearby strikes.
Historic Ottoman and French Mandate-era city walls in Baalbek's old town have been severely damaged by airstrikes.
Archaeological sites in Tyre and Sidon are under threat from nearby bombardments.
These sites represent over 11,000 years of human civilization in Lebanon. Their destruction would be an irreparable loss not only for Lebanon, but for all of humanity.

1. We implore UNESCO to:Strongly condemn attacks near cultural heritage sites and demand their protection under international law.
2. Send an emergency assessment mission to evaluate damage and reinforce protections.
3. Establish a monitoring mechanism to track threats to heritage sites in the conflict zone
4. Provide emergency funding and expertise for urgent conservation efforts
5. Call on all parties to respect the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in Armed Conflict.

Lebanon's archaeological treasures are the shared inheritance of all humankind. We must act swiftly and decisively to safeguard this irreplaceable heritage for future generations.

Respectfully submitted,