The UN Human Rights Office has issued a warning to all parties in the ongoing conflict, underscoring the protection of religious and cultural sites under international humanitarian law. The statement comes after attacks in Baalbek, in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, have approached alarmingly close to the ancient temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

"All wilful damage or destruction of buildings dedicated to religion is prohibited," the UN Human Rights Office stated.

It emphasized that civilian objects, including religious buildings and other culturally significant sites, are protected from attack unless they are actively used for military purposes. Even if such sites were to lose their protected status, the statement added, "any attacks upon them must still comply with the principles of proportionality and precaution."

The office also expressed concerns over the wider impact of damage to these cultural sites, not only in terms of legal protections but also regarding fundamental human rights.

"Damage to or destruction of places of worship also impacts the enjoyment of the rights to freedom of religion and to manifest one’s religion," the statement read,  noting that the destruction of cultural heritage risks eroding the historical and cultural identity of the communities connected to these sites.

This warning is particularly significant as Baalbek’s temple complex is one of the most celebrated ancient heritage sites in Lebanon, with roots tracing back to the Roman Empire.

The office stressed that “special care must be taken in military operations to avoid damage to buildings dedicated to religion or other sites of cultural or historical significance” and urged all parties to the conflict to "act scrupulously to ensure their protection."