UNESCO

‘Weaponization of cultural heritage’: Israel accuses PA of exploiting UNESCO in bid for Sebastia

The 450-acre site, which has awaited joining the world heritage list since 2012, has a history dating back at least 3,000 years.

 Israelis visit the site of the ancient village of Sebastia near the West Bank city of Nablus, on April 22, 2019
Palestinian employees of United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) take part in a protest against job cuts by UNRWA, in Gaza City September 19, 2018.

October 7 massacre findings puts the UN’s credibility on trial - opinion

The restored western face of the Parthenon, Greece, July 2, 2026.

After 200 years in ruin: Greece unveils complete restoration of Parthenon's western pediment

A piece of metal lies at of Al‑Bass Roman ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site hit by an Israeli airstrike in Tyre, southern Lebanon, June 25, 2026.

Israel damaged heritage sites during ops. against Hezbollah, Lebanese culture minister says


PA's Abbas to send delegation to UNESCO to review Palestinian curriculum

The PA commits to UNESCO to remove hate speech from textbooks, but the Israeli government and IMPACT-se accuse its recent curriculum of still inciting violence and antisemitism.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas looks on as he visits the Istishari Cancer Center in Ramallah, in the West Bank, May 14, 2025.

MK Sukkot submits bill demanding Israel have governance of Cave of the Patriarchs, not Waqf

The bill cites Abraham's biblical purchase of the land as proof of Jewish ownership, and suggests that local municipalities be granted authority over the site. 

MK Zvi Sukkot (RZP) visiting the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron.

Ancient Carmel cave dwellers hunted in lakes and marshes, not the sea, new study reveals

Researchers found that Natufian culture hunters on Mt. Carmel systematically hunted waterfowl in freshwater lakes during the Ice Age. The bird bones show a rich diet and ancient lifestyle.

El-Wad Terrace Excavations: Excavation at the El-Wad Cave terrace on Mt. Carmel reveals layers of Natufian history, offering a window into life 15,000 years ago.

Egypt’s Khaled El-Enany set to become first Arab head of UNESCO despite criticism

Enany, 54, was elected last month by UNESCO's 58-member Executive Board with 55 votes, beating Edouard Firmin Matoko of Congo-Brazzaville.

Egypt's Antiquities Minister Khaled El-Enany speaks in front of the Bent Pyramid of Sneferu that was reopened after restoration work, in Dahshur, south of Cairo, Egypt July 13, 2019.

Saudi project discusses potential involvement in rebuilding Syria's historic sites

Diriyah’s CEO discusses potential involvement in the reconstruction of Syria’s historic sites, as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader cultural heritage development strategy.

The Citadel of Aleppo, which had suffered damage during the years of war in Syria, undergoes restoration, to be reopened to the public for World Tourism Day, in Aleppo, Syria, September 25, 2025

Ancient wonders at risk: Persepolis faces threat of land subsidence

land surrounding Persepolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is sinking, and many of Iran's 28 World Heritage sites, including Pasargadae and Yazd, are located near sinking areas.

The ancient city of Persepolis, in modern day Iran.

Göbeklitepe Discovery: Could These Quadrangular Plans Be Residences?

"In just a few weeks of work, we identified the existence, locations, and densities of not only large monumental buildings and public structures but also residences," said the excavation director.

Gobeklitepe ruins in Turkey.

Iraq to re-open the restored Nuri Mosque in Mosul

Symbol of ISIS defeat and the disaster of the war, the Al-Nuri Mosque has been restored along with Mosul city.

The Great Mosque of al-Nuri destroyed by Islamic State militants in 2017, stands after its reconstruction by UNESCO, with support from the government of the United Arab Emirates, in Mosul, Iraq, August 31, 2025.

Peru’s Ministry of Culture reveals warrior-themed ritual vessel at Chankillo UNESCO site

The ministry says the find reinforces interpretations of the oldest solar observatory in America as a stage for military disputes and elite power legitimization.

The ritual vessel found.

After budget cuts and security delays, Tel Aviv's white night festival returns

The beloved cultural celebration makes its comeback on August 28 with dozens of performances and free events across Israel's cultural capital.

Israelis attend Tel Aviv's White Night all-night celebration in Tel Aviv, June 29, 2023.