The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has added the archaeological site of Sebastia in the Israeli-occupied West Bank to its World Heritage List and also to the List of World Heritage in Danger. The decision was made during a committee meeting in Busan, South Korea, despite objections from Israel. The committee reviewed the nomination on an emergency basis, citing ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. In addition to Sebastia, UNESCO also inscribed five castles in Lebanon's Mount Amel area onto the World Heritage List. According to the committee, these castles date from the medieval period to the 19th century and show the influence of Crusader, Ayyubid, Mamluk, Ottoman, and local feudal rulers. Israel had urged the committee to reject the nominations. The listings place the sites under greater international protection and recognition.