Tyre: Minister of Culture Dr. Ghassan Salam©, the first minister to visit southern Lebanon after the Israeli aggression, toured the city of Tyre to assess the damage inflicted on its archaeological sites. He was accompanied by Director General of Antiquities Eng. Sarkis Khoury and other officials from the Directorate General of Antiquities.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the minister and his delegation were greeted by Members of Parliament Ali Khreis, Inaya Ezzeddine, and Hassan Jishi, along with the President of the Union of Municipalities of the Tyre District, Eng. Hassan Dbouk, and Deputy Mayor of Tyre Alwan Sharafeddine. The tour commenced at the Al-Bass archaeological site, where Minister Salam© reviewed the destruction caused by the Israeli attacks.

Minister Salameh emphasized his visit as a "national and moral duty" to evaluate the impact on Tyre's archaeological heritage and document the assault on a site of universal historical and human value. He highlighted that the attacks violated international laws protecting cultural heritage.

Salameh revealed ongoing discussions with culture ministers from various countries, urging them to take responsibility for the events in southern Lebanon. He stressed that protecting archaeological heritage is an international responsibility, particularly at historic sites like Tyre, Chamaa, Beaufort (Al-Shaqif), Shaqra, and Tebnine.

While acknowledging UNESCO's lack of military power, Salameh noted the potential of diplomatic, legal, and media avenues to confront these attacks and bring them to international attention. He announced continuous contact with the Director-General of UNESCO, which led to an extraordinary World Heritage Committee meeting. The Committee unanimously approved expanding the scope of protected sites, highlighting the international community's concern for Lebanon's endangered cultural heritage.

The minister disclosed two major decisions by the Ministry of Culture. The first aims to place Tyre's archaeological sites on the list of permanently endangered sites, increasing international responsibility for their protection. The second seeks internationally protected status for the historic castles of Jabal Amel in Shaqra, Chamaa, Tebnine, and Beaufort (Al-Shaqif).

Salameh emphasized ongoing efforts to protect Tyre's antiquities and the broader cultural heritage of Jabal Amel from repeated Israeli attacks. The delegation also toured several targeted buildings in Tyre, assessing the destruction.

MP Inaya Ezzeddine welcomed the minister, highlighting the extensive damage to Tyre's archaeological sites. She affirmed Tyre's status as the "Pearl of the Mediterranean" due to its rich heritage. MP Ali Khreis called for national mobilization to support southern Lebanon and rebuild after the attacks. MP Hassan Jishi praised the visit for exposing Israeli practices against cultural sites.

Eng. Hassan Dbouk, President of the Union of Municipalities of the Tyre District, described the visit as a positive step and a message to the international community condemning Israeli attacks on cultural centers and heritage landmarks. He reiterated the commitment to preserving southern Lebanon's cultural identity and historical legacy.

Minister Salameh also visited Tyre's old quarters and streets affected by the Israeli attacks, including the Maronite Archdiocese of Tyre, where he met with Bishop Charbel Abdallah. The visit concluded at the Tyre Municipality, where he was received by Mayor Eng. Hassan Dbouk.