L'UNESCO ajoute des sites de Cisjordanie et des châteaux libanais à la Liste du patrimoine mondial malgré l'opposition israélienne

UNESCO has added the ancient West Bank site of Sebastia to its World Heritage List and classified it as "in danger," despite strong objections from Israel. The move follows a vote by UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea, which also included five castles in southern Lebanon on the same list. The decision highlights growing tensions over cultural heritage in regions affected by geopolitical disputes. Sebastia, located approximately 10 kilometers northwest of Nablus in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, is widely regarded as the ancient city of Samaria, the capital of the biblical Kingdom of Israel. The site features extensive archaeological remains spanning the Iron Age, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods. According to UNESCO, it is also associated with the burial of John the Baptist, making it a site of significance to both Christianity and Islam. The site was first nominated for inclusion in the World Heritage List in 2012 by the Palestinian delegation, who argued that its preservation required international recognition due to the challenges posed by Israeli control. Israeli authorities have been increasing their presence in the area, with plans to expropriate roughly 500 acres of land near Sebastia in 2025, claiming the action is necessary for the "preservation and development" of the site. However, Palestinian officials and residents argue that these actions threaten the integrity of the site and undermine local livelihoods, particularly those dependent on tourism. Nizar Kayed, deputy mayor of Sebastia, stated that the UNESCO designation could serve as a critical tool to halt further land seizures and settlement expansions. The inclusion of Sebastia on UNESCO’s World Heritage List and its subsequent placement on the "in danger" list underscores concerns over the site’s vulnerability. The UNESCO committee cited the ongoing conflict in the region and the potential risks to the site’s historical and cultural value as justification for the emergency listing. Palestinian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Hani al-Hayek emphasized that Sebastia represents a unique convergence of civilizations, with layers of archaeological evidence dating back over 2,000 years. He noted that the site’s designation reflects its "outstanding universal value" and the necessity for its protection under international conventions. Meanwhile, Israel has strongly opposed the decision, criticizing UNESCO for what it describes as politically motivated actions. The Israeli Foreign Ministry accused the Palestinian delegation of conducting a "hostile, one-sided campaign" to misrepresent the historical significance of Sebastia and erase its "profound, well-documented Jewish and Christian history." Israel also rejected the inclusion of the five castles in southern Lebanon, including the Crusader-era Beaufort Castle, which was captured by Israeli forces in May during their military operations against Hezbollah. Israeli officials claimed that the castle had been damaged and that the site should not be considered a cultural landmark due to alleged military activity. Lebanese officials welcomed the UNESCO decision, with Culture Minister Ghassan Salame describing it as a "remarkable achievement" in protecting important historical landmarks. He noted that only two of the five castles fall within the Lebanese government’s jurisdiction, while Israel has allegedly destroyed others and threatens to demolish Beaufort Castle. The inclusion of the castles in the "in danger" list reflects the ongoing conflict and the risks posed to these historic sites. The UNESCO decision has sparked broader debates about the role of cultural heritage in international diplomacy and the challenges of preserving historical sites in regions marked by political instability. While UNESCO maintains that its decisions are based on objective assessments of cultural and historical significance, critics argue that the organization is increasingly influenced by political considerations. The situation in Sebastia and the surrounding areas exemplifies the complex interplay between archaeology, national identity, and territorial disputes. As the UNESCO World Heritage Committee continues its sessions in Busan, the implications of the latest additions to the World Heritage List remain unclear. The designation of Sebastia and the Lebanese castles as sites in danger may prompt renewed discussions about international cooperation in preserving cultural heritage, but it also risks deepening existing divisions between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. The future of these sites will likely depend on how effectively international bodies can mediate between competing claims and ensure their protection from further degradation.