Lebanon marks 34 archaeological sites with blue shields for wartime protection

Lebanon has placed blue shields on 34 archaeological sites across the country to protect them during the ongoing war, Culture Minister Ghassan Salameh announced on Sunday. According to Lebanon’s National News Agency, Salameh said the measure aims to ensure compliance with the 1954 Hague Convention, which provides international protection for cultural property during armed conflict. “The ministry did not stand idly by,” Salameh said, adding that he contacted UNESCO Director-General Khaled Anani from the first day of the war to stress the importance of adhering to the convention. “Blue shields have been placed on archaeological sites so that the enemy will be aware of them and respect the convention,” he added. Salameh explained that 34 sites have been granted enhanced […]