UNESCO Adds Gaza Monastery to World Heritage in Danger List Amid Ongoing Conflict

An ancient Christian monastery in Gaza, known as the Monastery of St. Hilarion or Tell Umm Amer, has been officially added to UNESCO's List of World Heritage in Danger due to the escalating conflict in the region. The decision, made by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, reflects concerns over potential damage to the site's archaeological remains amid Israel's military operations. UNESCO emphasized the importance of protecting this historical site, which spans over four centuries from the late Roman Empire to the Umayyad period. The monastery, founded by St. Hilarion, is recognized as the first monastic community in the Holy Land and played a significant role in trade and cultural exchanges between Africa and Asia during the Byzantine period. Characterized by its five churches, bath complexes, and intricate mosaics, it was once one of the largest Christian monasteries in the Middle East. However, it was abandoned following an earthquake in the seventh century and remained undiscovered until local archaeologists unearthed it in 1999. In light of the ongoing threats to the site, UNESCO invoked an emergency inscription procedure under the World Heritage Convention. This action obligates its 195 member states to refrain from any actions that could harm the site and to provide assistance for its protection. Inclusion on the danger list also opens avenues for technical and financial support for preservation and restoration efforts. CNN has reached out to Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comments regarding this development.