BEIRUT — Israeli bombings in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre on Thursday have prompted a wave of condemnation by officials amid concerns over the fate of historic landmarks and monuments that abound in the ancient Phoenician port city historically known as the “Queen of the Seas.”Israel launched the intense wave of airstrikes one day after its military declared all areas south of the Zahrani River — about 25 miles from the border with Israel and including Tyre — an active combat zone. Claiming to be targeting Hezbollah infrastructure inside the city, Israel called on residents to evacuate.A series of Israeli strikes near ancient ruins in the Phoenician port city of Tyre has raised concerns about potential damage to historical landmarks, @beatricefarhat reports.https://t.co/lyexzlRoYO pic.twitter.com/L3XiZ6tmT4— AL-MONITOR (@AlMonitor) May 29, 2026
The attacks began at dawn and continued throughout the day, killing and injuring several people, and causing widespread destruction, according to local media.At least three buildings in one neighborhood, al-Athar (which translates as "archaeological site"), were struck, with videos showing billows of smoke rising above ancient ruins, sparking concerns about potential damage to the historic area.🇱🇧An 'Israeli' airstrike has targeted the Al-Athar neighborhood in the coastal city of Tyre, Lebanon. Footage captures the moment a massive explosion sent a colossal fireball and thick plumes of black smoke into the air, causing extensive damage to nearby residential buildings… pic.twitter.com/4iZZC5yrZK— Roya News English (@RoyaNewsEnglish) May 28, 2026
