Blogger News Network

July 18, 2006

One week has passed since Israel commenced its attacks on Lebanese and Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. There is no immediate end of the conflict in sight as Israeli airborne, naval and ground units have pounded a wide array of targets in Lebanon, sparking what many call the worst crisis in the Middle East in 10 years. The attacks in Lebanon are a retaliation for the capture of two Israeli soldiers which were kidnapped by Hezbollah in a raid on their convoy.

The Lebanese PM Fouad Siniora condemned Israel saying their attacks have been "opening the gates of hell and madness". However, an Israeli general said that the offensive could go on for weeks to come. Israeli PM Ehud Olmert claimed last weeks kidnappings were a timed attempt to divert attention from Iran's nuclear programme.

It's the civilian population in Lebanon that have taken the largest toll; 200 Lebanese civilians have been reported to be killed in the past seven days, 30 of them today. In addition, 30 Lebanese soldiers have died without engaging Israeli units. Eleven of them were killed today in an Israeli airstrike on a Lebanese army base east of Beirut. A Lebanese barracks was also hit yesterday, killing several soldiers.

The United Nations want an international peace contingent to be stationed in southern Lebanon to stop Hezbollah from firing missiles into Israel. The force would act as a stabilisation force against attacks from both sides in the conflict.

500,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon by the violence which could end in a humanitarian disaster, UN said.

A UN team was in Israel today, holding talks with the Israeli FM about a possible ceasefire agreement. However, the minister reiterated Israel's ultimatum that its two soldiers should be released and the Lebanese government posts troops in southern Lebanon before agreeing on a ceasefire. Lebanon say they fear posting soldiers in it's southern region could spark a civil war in the country.

Yesterday, transport trucks were targeted by warplanes. Israel believed that the trucks were transporting missiles for the Hezbollah. The Israeli military say 750 Hezbollah rockets, missiles and mortars have so far been fired since the start of the crisis.

Hezbollah militants has also today fired rockets on towns in northern Israel. Haifa, Acre, Kiryat Shemona and the region of Gush Halav have been hit. One Israeli was killed.

Hundreds of foreigners have been evacuated from Lebanon by any available transportation. Ships, helicopters and buses have been used by several European countries and the United States to ferry their citizens out of the country.

Sources

• "Lebanon condemns Israel 'madness'". BBC News, July 18, 2006
• "Lebanon barracks hit; Hezbollah fires on Israeli town". CNN, July 18, 2006
• Ravi Nessman "Israel may send ground troops into Lebanon". AP, July 18, 2006
• "Israel claims Iran link to crisis". BBC, July 18, 2006