UNESCO utilizes emergency procedure to list Gaza site as both a World Heritage and 'In Danger' site

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has taken an extraordinary step to protect one of the Middle East's oldest Christian sites. The Saint Hilarion Monastery, also known as Tell Umm Amer, located in the Gaza Strip, has been designated as both a World Heritage site and a site 'In Danger.' This decision was made during the 46th session of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee held in New Delhi, India.

The Saint Hilarion Monastery is a testament to the rich cultural and religious history of the region. Dating back to the late Roman period, it is one of the earliest Christian monastic sites in the Middle East. The monastery is named after Saint Hilarion, a revered Christian monk who is considered one of the founders of monasticism in Palestine. The site includes ruins of a church, a baptismal font, and various residential and communal structures, offering invaluable insights into early Christian monastic life.

Emergency Procedure and Its Implications

UNESCO's decision to use an emergency procedure for the monastery's inscription underscores the urgent need for its protection. This expedited process allows for quicker listings of sites facing imminent threats. According to a UNESCO representative, "The ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip presents potential risks to this archaeological treasure, justifying the use of this procedure". Currently, UNESCO has not detected any damage to the monastery, which is being monitored through satellite imaging.

The emergency procedure is not unprecedented. In recent years, UNESCO has used this mechanism to list other endangered sites, such as the historic center of Odesa in Ukraine and the archaeological sites of Yemen's ancient Saba kingdom. These sites, like the Saint Hilarion Monastery, face threats from conflict, natural disasters, and other challenges.

Global Responsibility and Protection Efforts

With the new inscriptions, the 196 nations that are part of UNESCO's World Heritage Convention are obligated to refrain from causing any harm to the site and must contribute to its protection. Although Israel is no longer a member of UNESCO, it remains a State Party and is therefore required to uphold the Convention's commitments to safeguard the monastery. This is particularly significant given the historical and ongoing tensions in the region.

Israel and the United States withdrew from UNESCO on December 31, 2018, amid accusations of bias against Israel, particularly following the organization's acceptance of Palestine as a member in 2011. However, the United States rejoined UNESCO in July 2023 under the Biden administration, while Israel has not yet reinstated its membership but continues to participate in the World Heritage Committee's annual gatherings as a non-voting observer.

Palestine's Role in the Nomination

The nomination of the Saint Hilarion Monastery was initiated by Palestine, which first added the site to its Tentative List in 2012. This list includes sites that countries plan to propose as World Heritage Sites. In June 2024, Palestine submitted a formal nomination for the monastery and requested that it be processed as an emergency case. The inscription was agreed upon by consensus among Committee members, highlighting the international community's recognition of the site's significance and the urgent need for its protection.

Challenges and Opportunities

The designation of the Saint Hilarion Monastery as a site 'In Danger' opens up opportunities for technical and financial support for its protection and restoration. Sites classified as 'In Danger' are eligible for assistance from UNESCO and other international bodies, which can provide resources and expertise to help preserve these invaluable cultural treasures.

However, the challenges are significant. The ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip poses a constant threat to the site, and the political complexities of the region make coordinated protection efforts difficult. Nevertheless, the international community's commitment to safeguarding the monastery is a positive step towards preserving this important piece of cultural heritage.

UNESCO's decision to list the Saint Hilarion Monastery as both a World Heritage site and a site 'In Danger' is a critical move to protect one of the Middle East's oldest Christian sites. This designation highlights the historical significance of the monastery and the urgent need for its preservation amidst ongoing conflicts. The international community, including UNESCO member nations, must now work together to ensure the protection and restoration of this invaluable cultural treasure.