An ancient Christian monastery in Gaza has been added to UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger due to the ongoing conflict in the region. This decision, made by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, reflects concerns over how Israel’s military actions might impact the site’s preservation.
The Monastery of St. Hilarion, also known as Tell Umm Amer, was simultaneously listed as a World Heritage site and as endangered. UNESCO highlighted the importance of safeguarding the monastery, which spans from the late Roman to the Umayyad period.
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Located on coastal dunes south of Gaza City, the monastery was a major religious and cultural hub during the Byzantine era. It was abandoned after a 7th-century earthquake and rediscovered by archaeologists in 1999. UNESCO’s inclusion of the site on the danger list ensures access to technical and financial assistance for its protection and potential restoration.
