Ukrainian cathedrals, Gaza’s archives, Iranian squares – modern war is systematically erasing human history | Simon Jenkins

What Happened

The article reports on the widespread destruction of cultural and historical sites across Ukraine, Iran, Gaza, and Lebanon, attributing this damage to ongoing aerial bombardment campaigns. UNESCO data cited in the report indicates that 545 historic buildings in Ukraine, including the Pechersk Lavra and St Sophia cathedral, have been damaged or destroyed by Russian forces. In the Middle East, the report highlights damage to historical sites in Isfahan, Iran, and the destruction of over 80% of buildings in Gaza, including the Great Omari mosque and the church of St Porphyrius, attributed to Israeli military operations. Additionally, the report notes damage to the Roman hippodrome in Tyre, Lebanon, following Israeli strikes in June.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The systematic destruction of cultural heritage sites represents a significant erosion of international norms, specifically the 1954 Hague Convention and the 1972 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property. The report suggests that modern aerial warfare is increasingly targeting the identity and morale of adversaries, moving away from traditional military objectives toward the erasure of historical continuity.

Watch For

Monitor future UNESCO damage assessment reports for updated figures on cultural site destruction in Ukraine and the Middle East. Additionally, observe the activities of the World Monuments Fund’s Crisis Response Program as they attempt to stabilize and protect damaged heritage sites in active conflict zones.