The St Hilarion Monastery and the UNESCO List of Heritage in Danger

The Monastery of Saint Hilarion in Gaza is an example of the relationship between the UNESCO World Heritage List and the protection of sites included in the list UNESCO list of endangered sites.

The Monastery of Saint Hilarion in Gaza has recently been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, also joining the List of World Heritage in Danger. This decision, taken by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, highlights the importance of the site and the need to protect it. In fact the inclusion on the List of World Heritage in Danger means that the site can receive technical and financial assistance, and if necessary, help for its restoration. Furthermore, according to the World Heritage Convention, the 195 Member States of UNESCO undertake not to damage the sites included in the List and to assist in their protection.

The inclusion of the Monastery of Saint Hilarion on the List of World Heritage in Danger is motivated by concerns related to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. UNESCO has expressed concern about the impact that military operations could have on the archaeological remains. Inclusion in this list, however, also entails access to technical and financial assistance for the protection and restoration of the site. The UNESCO World Heritage Convention commits its 195 member states to avoid any action that could damage the sites included in the list and to cooperate for their protection.

The monastery, founded around 340 AD by Saint Hilarion, is one of the largest in the Middle East and bears witness to important cultural and religious exchange between Africa and Asia. Its strategic location on a trade route contributed to its prosperity during the Byzantine period. Abandoned in the 7th century following an earthquake, the site was only excavated in 1999 by local archaeologists.

The List of World Heritage in Danger is an important tool to raise awareness among the international community about the dangers that threaten UNESCO sites. Armed conflicts, natural disasters, pollution and uncontrolled tourism are just some of the factors that can put these places at risk. The list serves to encourage corrective actions to preserve the universal value of these sites.