More than 100 Lebanese lawmakers issued an urgent appeal to UNESCO on Thursday, calling for the protection of Lebanon’s world heritage sites in light of escalating Israeli airstrikes, which they warn pose a severe threat to the country’s historic landmarks, particularly the ancient Baalbek ruins.

Among the signatories, MP Elias Hankach who emphasized the need to respect “red lines in war, especially when it comes to preserving history and heritage sites."

“We are facing an Israeli killing machine that does not distinguish between civilians and cultural heritage. The ancient Baalbek ruins are a living testament to Lebanon’s history and the civilizations that have shaped it. We have a duty to protect it," he said in an interview on Voice of Lebanon radio station.

Hankach expressed concerns over the severe strain that the current conflict is putting on Lebanon, particularly as it faces both a financial crisis and a large displacement of residents. He warned that the situation is exacerbated by what he described as a failure to keep the nation’s defense under centralized state authority.

“The Lebanese State is effectively collapsed and bankrupt. The country has been unable to assert control over decisions of war and peace, with weapons outside the hands of the Lebanese army contributing to the devastation we see today.”

In another interview with This Is Lebanon online news platform, Hankach described the conflict as an “Iranian-Israeli war being waged on Lebanese soil,” saying that Lebanon has been driven to the brink of ruin. He called for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life and destruction of property. 

“Hezbollah has dragged Lebanon into disaster,” Hankach stated, arguing that the ongoing conflict has neither supported Gaza nor distracted Israel from its operations there, while Lebanon has borne the brunt of the destruction.

Hankach reiterated the importance of national unity and sovereignty, urging the Lebanese government to take a firm stance on the matter.

“The Lebanese State must take control of the situation and act to enforce a ceasefire,” he said. “Only the Lebanese army can protect Lebanon and ensure its stability.”