UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee recently made a significant decision regarding the Saint Hilarion Monastery in the Gaza Strip, also known as Tell Umm Amer. This ancient monastery has been included in both the “World Heritage” and “World Heritage In Danger” lists. The reasoning behind this decision, according to UNESCO, is the historical value of the site and the urgent need for its protection. The emergency procedure set forth by the World Heritage Convention allowed for the accelerated inscription of the monastery on both lists due to the perceived threat to its existence.
The ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip is a major concern, as it poses a threat to the archaeological site of Saint Hilarion Monastery. UNESCO has been closely monitoring the situation using satellite imagery, although there have been no reported damages to the site thus far. However, the inscription on both UNESCO lists now places a responsibility on the 196 “State Parties” to ensure the protection of the monastery and prevent any harm from coming to it. Even though Israel is no longer a member of UNESCO, it remains a State Party and is obligated to abide by the terms of the Convention to safeguard the monastery.
Being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site is a significant achievement for any location. However, the simultaneous inscription on the “In Danger” list points to the immediate threats facing the Saint Hilarion Monastery. This dual listing indicates that the site is under risk from various factors such as conflict, natural disasters, pollution, or overtourism. Sites on the “In Danger” list are eligible to receive technical and financial support for protection and restoration efforts, highlighting UNESCO’s commitment to preserving the world’s cultural heritage.
Requests for emergency procedures such as the one granted to the Saint Hilarion Monastery must come from a State Party. In this case, Palestine included the site on its Tentative List back in 2012 and subsequently submitted the nomination for emergency processing in June 2024. The decision to inscribe the monastery on both lists was made by consensus among the Committee members, illustrating the collective effort to safeguard this historical site. With 26 new sites added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List during the recent session, it is evident that global collaboration is essential in protecting our shared heritage.
The inclusion of the Saint Hilarion Monastery in both UNESCO’s “World Heritage” and “World Heritage In Danger” lists underscores the significance of this site and the urgent need for its preservation. As the international community rallies to protect cultural landmarks from various threats, the decision to inscribe the monastery highlights the importance of collective action in safeguarding our shared history. By recognizing and supporting sites like the Saint Hilarion Monastery, we can ensure that future generations have the opportunity to experience and appreciate these invaluable cultural treasures.