UNESCO-listed shrine destroyed in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon

Israeli forces have destroyed the shrine of Prophet Shimon the Just in the town of Shamaa in the Tyre district, according to official and local media reports.

The Lebanese National News Agency reported that Israeli artillery shelling targeted the area of the ancient citadel in Tyre, where the shrine was located. The site was listed as part of a UNESCO World Heritage area, granting it international cultural protection.

According to the report, surrounding hills near Shamaa were subjected to intermittent shelling early Monday, though there was no immediate confirmation of casualties.

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Lebanese media, including Al-Akhbar, said Israeli forces had bulldozed the shrine before destroying it in an airstrike.

The shrine had previously been destroyed during the 2014 war before being restored by local residents, who regard it as a historical religious site and mosque.

The incident comes amid continued Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, the escalation since 2nd March has resulted in 2,055 deaths and 6,588 injuries.

Israeli military operations continue across southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces have maintained a presence in certain areas for decades, alongside renewed incursions during the current escalation.

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