Your say: Killing fields of Lebanon
Innocent Lebanese civilians, including women and children, continued to bear the brunt of relentless Israeli bombardment yesterday
Innocent Lebanese civilians, including women and children, continued to bear the brunt of relentless Israeli bombardment yesterday for the fourth consecutive day. Israel's bombing of Lebanese roads, bridges, ports and airports, as well as Hezbollah targets, is its most destructive onslaught since a 1982 invasion to expel Palestinian forces.
At least 34 civilians were killed yesterday. Twenty of them, including 15 children, were burned alive when missiles from an Israeli helicopter gunship slammed into a convoy of residents fleeing border villages in south Lebanon, UN and hospital sources were quoted as saying.
The conflict has divided the international community and is likely to be a hot topic at the G8 summit.
Do you think Israel's act of war in Lebanon is justified? Do you consider the Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Palestine territories as flouting international laws and conventions?
Which law said that you can bomb and destroy a country and kill innocent civilians just to release your two soldiers. I think it is complete nonsense and has nothing to do with the soldiers. All Israel was looking for, was a chance to launch themselves on Lebanon. A case of crimes against humanity should be tried on Israeli and the American President.
Humaira
Dubai
Wake up President Bush. Wake up before it's too late and please stop the brutal, senseless and unfair killings of innocent civilians at the hands of the Neo-Nazi Israeli Army - being funded from day one by our tax dollars. What kind of "Right of Defense" is this that in order to release only two of its army men captured by the enemy in an ongoing 50 years old war, the un-ethical and immoral state of Israel is bombing and demolishing civilian targets in Lebanon under a "Free Ticket and Blank Cheque" granted by the US Administration? What kind of "Unbalanced War" is this in which on one side you have unarmed civilians and on the other side the might Israeli military machine equipped with US freely supplied F-15s and gunship helicopter including the secretly shipped precision guided laser missiles of last week by the Bush Administration?
Is this the "George Bush's" American way of providing "Equal Opportunity" to all the parties? It takes years and years to build a civil structure but just few seconds to destroy it. Billions of free American tax dollars given on a platter to the state of Israel by our government from our money that could have been used instead to provide health insurance to millions of uninsured Americans or to feed the poor and homeless Americans or fund our under funded school and health systems are for sure, taking its toll. Unbiased and neutral history shall never forgive or forget these cronies who are still bent upon calling themselves as "Ambassadors" of peace, liberty, justice and pursuit of happiness.
Aamir
Missouri, USA
The Israelis are cowards and have no courage to come face to face and fight! All they can do is attack the innocent people of Lebanon. It's shameful to know that no Arab country is interfering including the UAE. This is all because the UAE survives by keeping foreigners happy so they have no courage to say anything against cruelty to Muslims.
Salman
By email
This war did not happen suddenly. It is a hidden truth that Hezbollah are getting weapons from Syria and Iran otherwise how could they fire Dhs1000 of rockets to the Israeli town of Haifa? Naturally we can imagine who the sponsors are of this war: Syria and Iran. No other countries will buy weapons from them other than this kind of separatist group. The hidden truth is that the only people suffering from this act are the poor innocent Lebanese citizens.
Johnson
Dubai
In the name of war against terrorism, America and Israel have planned to destroy the Arab world and capture the wealth of oil. They first destroyed Afghanistan, then Iraq, and then Lebanon. In fact, with Israel's war in Lebanon, America and Israel are trying to involve Syria and Iran so that America can fulfill its long-awaited dream of destroying Iran. More shameful is the cowardice silence of the Arab word. Nobody is coming forward to help the Lebanese.
Mohammad
By email
A lot of readers write in and condemn Israel and their actions and say that their reaction is "too much" and cannot be justified in any way, against all International laws etc. The truth is simple; war is brutal and there are no rules ! If you start a war, like Hezbollah did by crossing into Israel to attack and capture Israeli soldiers, you have to be prepared to face whatever the enemy throws back at you. Furthermore, to the people who claim that Israel are attacking civilian targets, the same can be said about the rockets fired by Hezbollah. In fact, so far, Hezbollah have avoided fighting the Israeli army directly. There are normally only two possible outcomes of a war where one side is stronger: the weaker party surrenders or they get wiped out. Hezbollah seems to be opting for the latter, dragging with them the Lebanese people.
KM
Dubai
Day five of the war was the first time we heard that Israeli soldiers do not want to attack the Citizens of Lebanon, and said they had not attacked any place where citizens where crowded. Yet they have been attacking citizens. Even on day five there were civilian casualties. Hezbollah being disarmed means that Lebanon has no ability to fight, Hezbollah has not harmed Lebanon nor has it harmed any other country in the world who didn't charge an attack. Hezbollah only captured soldiers for the good cause of releasing innocent people of Palestine from Israeli jails. Lebanese lands were attacked which means that Israel were the instigators of the fighting. Hezbollah only retaliated so that civilians were not attacked. Hezbollah only attacked Israeli civilians when the war became civilian based. I really don't know what America's motive is for siding with Israel. America always sides with Israel in all situations.
Mehdi
By email
I cannot believe that in this day and age we still find a need to destroy rather then build. I don't disagree with the Israelis for trying to prevent terrorism in their country however I do not agree with their methods. The 1000's of people who are affected for the rest of their lives, is far too great of a cost to pay for a doubtable solution. I don't believe bombing someone into submission is a plausible solution. It appears to me they are setting themselves up for a new generation of young suicide bombers. Terrorism is a word like death, killed and murdered and at the end of the day it's all still pretty final, no matter what name your doing it under.
John
By email
The recent attacks of Israel on Lebanon to eliminate Hezbollah are nothing but a ruthless and gruesome act of terror in which fewer Hezbollah men and more innocent people are losing their lives. I wonder how peace can be achieved through barrel of guns. The way Israel has attacked Lebanon with a claim to rescue its two soldiers gives the impression to the world community that it?s not an act of invasion to defend itself but an act for vengeance with a vow to destroy the economy of the country, maim the people, make them homeless and force them again to remain in a state of civil war.
The painful part is that incompetence of international community in condemning; criticizing and objecting this inhuman act of terror on part of Israel will contribute a great deal in further radicalizing the Muslim world in general and Arab world in particular (since historically and geographically they are much closer to Lebanon). Terrorism cannot win by targeting innocent individuals, the same way that a war on terrorism cannot be won by killing innocent people. What a painful present day reality it is that governments and terrorists are both contributing a great deal in the spread of terrorism across the world through their inhuman act.
Najm
By email
How sad it is to see the images of bombs and rockets and death and hate in the land where Jesus was sent by God to live and then to die. Nothing has changed over those two thousand years in that region has it? Seems like a good time for God to send in another Jesus, but somehow I don't think that he/she would even sort out this mess.
Rob
England
It is with deep regret that there are children being killed because of this war, there are always casualties of any war. If you sit back and think, it is not the Israelis causing this it's Hezbollah causing tension, in such a way that escalates violence such as this.
Hezbollah want the world to feel sorry for the Lebanese and the terrorists it is harbouring so everyone can point the finger at Israel.
Is Israel just supposed to sit there like piggy in the middle and let these terrorists rip their country apart! I think not! I am balanced in the opinion that military action should be taken against other military factions without involving civilians, but as yet we don't exactly know what had been done to provoke such a strike, only that Israeli soldiers being kidnapped. A country like Israel (in my opinion) would not launch a counter offensive such as this unless they felt threatened in some way.. Is it me or is there something missing from this picture?
Darrel
West Midlands, England
It is really sad to see the Lebanese civilians continuing to bear the Israeli bombardment especially for the women and the children. What do these Israelites gain by killing these innocent children? There is no peace in Lebanon. How can anyone go to sleep in peace in Lebanon, when there is war all over and the Israelites continue to bombard places. How can they be so cruel? Don't the Israelites also have families? It is a stupid decision on the part of Israelites, to think that war is a solution for the problem. And why are other countries silent? I believe it is because of Mr. Bush, who is silently watching everything with a silent smile on his face.
Sheeba
Dubai
The atrocities that have befallen the citizens of Lebanon are disturbingly calculated and cruel. To strategically attack and paralyse an entire country and its civilian population is disgusting to say the least.
Regardless of all claims made by the Israeli government, a military retaliation of this nature was not concocted overnight in response to the kidnapping of a mere two Israelis. I would suggest this plan lay waiting for some such opportunity.
I am sickened to see such drastic measures taken by Israel, as well as the total lack of humanitarian efforts to restore calm by other "interested" parties. I am ashamed of how the US continues to drag its feet in promoting a peaceful resolution of this disproportionate campaign against Lebanon.
I cannot sleep at night, and I am nauseous throughout the day as I worry about my family and friends trapped in this nightmare. Even from my comfortable chair here in the United States, I suffer with them because I care for my loved ones and for the beautiful country of Lebanon. Israel is so terribly wrong for this type of response on the people of Lebanon.
If one of my loved ones should read this, know that you are in my mind constantly and that I suffer along with you. My distress is endless until you are all safe.
Lori
Kentucky, USA
The brutal killings which the Zionist regime is continuing in Lebanon and Gaza, reveals the true nature of this state. All those people who observe the international crisis and problems know this Zionist regime has flouted international laws time and again. The support they get from Uncle Sam and partners make them dare to do whatever they want. President W Bush is justifying them in the name of self defence. The lives of Lebanese and Palestinian people are worth nothing to them. But if an Israeli is attacked it will be called 'terrorism.' If they kill hundreds of Palestinians and Lebanese, including women and children, it is called self defence. I don't understand what the UN is doing. If the crisis gets out of control it will affect the whole Middle East and the entire world will suffer. The Arab community and the international body should act immediately to stop the Zionist regime from these brutal killings and undeclared war.
Faisal
Dubai
Israel knows ONLY the language of power and destruction. If any one thinks otherwise they are gravely mistaken. It?s the ONLY country on the face of the earth which is above any rules or laws. It?s the ONLY country that depends solely on state sponsored terrorism for its very existence. It?s a shame how blindly the US and Europe support such criminal and barbaric regimes of Israeli general!!
Haris
Sharjah
Any civilised human being cannot agree that what Israel is doing is justified. No international law or convention works when it comes to countries like Israel, who are being unjustly backed up by the US. I think the time has come for Israel to learn a lesson. Someone has to punish Israel for their bad deeds and make them learn a severe lesson. It should be tit for tat. May God help Muslims and punish the Israelis. Down with ISRAEL....!
Adeel
By email
What Israel is doing in Lebanon is atrocious. It is the silence by the United States that is more appalling. The US which tries to be the "guardian-angel" of the whole world is even defending Israel and blaming Syria and Iran. Israel has no right to kill the innocents in Lebanon and Palestine. It?s a pity that the whole world is watching Israel's arrogance in silence and not doing anything to do to stop this bloodshed. It is shameful that even the Arab World is divided on Israel's action. With Technology bringing geographical distances closer, it is heartbreaking to see that it does not help in bringing the people's minds closer. What are we fighting for? A piece of land? Ideologies? That too at the cost of children's and innocent people's lives?
Aparna
By email
I thought that Hezbollah was a responsible party, but discover they are mad and have no idea of the future. How can they start a war for personal reasons, and destroy a country and the life of millions for their own political aims? If they want to liberate Arab lands, let them go to the Golan Heights.
Morcos
By email
It is a shame that 54 or so Muslim and Arab countries can not make a common army to fight a common enemy like Israel. Lebanon is nothing but a curtain on what is happening to Sunnis in Iraq. It is a means to divert the attention of the world to Lebanon where 60 Lebanese are killed and not bother about the murder of one-million Sunnis in Iraq.
Salam
By email
What Israel has done, cannot be justified in any way. For two soldiers, a whole country has to be destroyed? Is that the way to go about it? What Israel has done reflects the true meaning of terrorism. If Iran would have had a similar reaction to the kidnapping of soldiers, the whole world would have been up there, condemning Iran as being a terrorist country. Just because it is Israel, the world is silent and watching how innocent civilians are killed without a reason. Lebanon has just rebuilt itself and in five days it must start all over again for no reason. Hasn?t Israel brought enough pain and destruction to the Lebanese people over the past decades? Somewhere there has to be an end.
Priyanka
By email
The death of innocent civilians on both sides (Lebanon & Israel) cannot be justified. But fragile peace which was prevailing on the Israeli-Lebanese border was clearly violated by Hezbollah, under the influence of Iran & Syria. They both want to divert attention of the international community from ongoing UN investigations. Israel was forced into a situation where it has to protect its citizens from rocket attacks and its military from kidnappings. The Lebanese government and army failed to control the militia's recent motives. It put its own people at risk! Now the UN has to play a major role in formulating an immediate truce: monitoring and securing borders and citizens of Israel, Lebanon and Syria and impose sanctions on countries violating laws and peace-treaties. This would be a permanent solution for Israel - Palestinian conflict and a peaceful solution for the nuclear issue of Iran. Only then can a peaceful and prosperous middle east develop.
Jacob
By email
Unless you harm a snake it will not bite. Hezbollah should return the two soldiers kidnapped by them so there will be a ceasefire. Terrorism cannot be accepted in any country by any means.
Shaji
By email
I don't think that Israel's act of war in Lebanon is justified. Between all this hatred, it's the 'innocent people' on both sides, who are being killed. If US is supporting Israel, does that mean the others have to follow suit? It's outrageous! Mark my words, our silence is going to pay us back in full. Have you thought, we 'could be' next? These leaders don?t realise that by doing all this, they are creating hatred for themselves in the hearts of their people. Why can't all the Muslim countries unite? and why are the other countries watching this show of 'killing' silently?
Miss Mehr
Sharjah
Its a shame for the Muslim world that a small country like Israel is attacking two Muslim states without any resistance. The only peaceful answer to this is to stop purchasing American and European products as Israel has the full backing of these nations. This is the only way that the Zionist state will back down.
Hassan
By email
Israel's act of attacking innocent Lebanese and Palestinians is unjustified. There is no specific reason for Israel to target civilians as they killed people who were trying to leave their home country to save their lives. Each single innocent life is related to a family for whom it will take years to forget these tragic incidents. Israel, by attacking the neighboring countries is putting itself in a more critical condition where nobody will pardon them for their barbaric crimes.
Zain
By email
I am an American who has lived in the Arab world, and many of us here in the US are disturbed by Israel's disregard for international law and basic humanity in punishing the innocent civilians of Lebanon for the actions of the small Hezbollah group. Additionally, we are disgusted and embarrassed by the unwillingness of the Bush administration to intervene and encourage a cease fire. As it is well known, Israel considers itself exempt from most international humanitarian law so only Washington has the ability to restrain its allies in Tel Aviv, and it is displaying no interest in doing so or otherwise encouraging peace. Meanwhile, Israel's pretext that this is about recovering their kidnapped soldier is laughable under any rationale other than a racist one, because who other than a racist would argue that the life of their adult soldier, a voluntary combatant under law, is worth more than the lives of countless Lebanese children falling victim to their bombs and missiles?
Michael
New York City
