Beirut: Minister of Culture Dr. Ghassan Salameh has urgently appealed to UNESCO's Director-General, Dr. Khaled El-Enany, to intervene in preventing the potential destruction of Beaufort Castle (Qalaat al-Chqif). Dr. Salameh's letter emphasizes the need for immediate action to engage relevant parties and employ international mechanisms to protect the site from what he describes as an "extremely serious threat."

According to National news agency - Lebanon, Dr. Salameh's communication follows reports from Israeli media and widespread social media discussions in Lebanon, suggesting the possibility of destruction targeting this significant cultural site. The Minister expressed concerns about losing a monument that holds significant heritage value and embodies Lebanon's collective memory.

The letter highlights that the threat against Beaufort Castle contravenes the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. Dr. Salameh noted that the castle has been under the stewardship of Lebanon's Ministry of Culture since the Israeli army's withdrawal in 2000 and has benefited from extensive conservation efforts.

In 2024, UNESCO recognized the castle's exceptional heritage value by granting it enhanced protection status. Dr. Salameh warned that any attack on the site would not only damage its physical structure but also affect cultural identity and historical connections. He called on UNESCO to act swiftly to prevent the castle's destruction, asserting that inaction would lead to irreversible consequences for cultural heritage protected under international law.

Lebanon remains committed to international law principles and trusts UNESCO's critical role in safeguarding cultural heritage. Dr. Salameh urged UNESCO to prioritize the issue and inform Lebanon of any measures to prevent potential violations against the site.