Lebanese Minister: Israeli Campaign Damaged Heritage Sites

Israel's nearly four-month air and ground campaign, which the country said targeted the Iranian-backed armed group Hezbollah, damaged or destroyed several historical sites across southern Lebanon, Lebanese Culture Minister Ghassan Salame told Reuters.

According to the agency, the crown of an ancient column at a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Lebanese port city of Tyre was torn off. In another southern city, a pilgrimage site for both Muslims and Christians was destroyed. Israeli attacks also struck a Mamluk-era market in the city of Nabatieh, and troops razed centuries-old Lebanese border towns to the ground.

Despite the ceasefire that took effect a week ago, authorities are still unable to get a complete picture of the extent of the damage, Salame added, as Israeli forces continue to occupy a zone extending about 10 km into the Lebanese interior.

This occupied zone includes the medieval castle of Beaufort, as well as centuries-old villages inhabited by Christians, Shiite and Sunni Muslims, and their places of worship.

In response to questions from Reuters, the Israeli military said its goal was not "to cause excessive damage to civilian infrastructure" and that it attacked only out of military necessity, with regard to the safety of its citizens, referring to the residents of northern Israel, who are targeted by the militant group Hezbollah.

(Reuters, sak)