UNESCO has added a major archaeological site in the West Bank and a group of historic castles in southern Lebanon to its World Heritage List, according to UNESCO’s decision. The designations proceeded despite objections from Israel regarding the West Bank site, marking another instance in an ongoing dispute over the role of cultural heritage decisions in Middle Eastern politics.
The additions reflect UNESCO’s continued efforts to expand its World Heritage List across different regions and cultures. Meanwhile, Greece has launched a bid to have Mount Olympus, the country’s highest peak at 2,918 meters, added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Greek officials have pursued this designation for more than four decades, viewing the mountain’s cultural and historical significance as meeting the criteria for inclusion on the prestigious list.
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