ICOMOS has issued a statement in light of the conflict in Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territory

ICOMOS deplores the suffering inflicted on the civilian population in the region during the latest escalation of this continuing conflict. We are especially concerned for the impact it is having on the communities and their heritage, in particular on World Heritage Sites.

This cultural heritage is priceless and irreplaceable, of vital importance not only to each community, but also to humanity. Therefore, its protection implies respect for the communities who live in and use these heritage sites and also a responsibility towards all humankind.

ICOMOS notes that this is one of a number of current threats to cultural heritage arising from conflict and unrest worldwide. It condemns any intentional destruction of heritage wherever it occurs. Therefore, we urge all parties to respect the letter and spirit of the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its two protocols, which states in its preamble “… that any damage to cultural property, irrespective of the people it belongs to, is a damage to the cultural heritage of all humanity, because every people contributes to the world’s culture…”.

The intentional targeting of cultural and religious sites (that are not legitimate military objectives and have no imperative military necessity) is prohibited specifically, under any circumstances, in international humanitarian law and is considered a war crime.

ICOMOS calls on all involved to protect and safeguard the heritage, tangible and intangible, respecting the human rights, beliefs, customs, sacred places and holy sites of all communities that make up the diverse yet common heritage of the region and to work towards solutions which achieve this.

ICOMOS offers its technical assistance and cooperation to those working to protect our heritage and towards paths which embrace dialogue, mutual respect and dignity for the people and their shared cultural heritage.