UAE reactions: Turmoil in Lebanon

Dubai/Abu Dhabi: Many UAE residents fear the turmoil in Lebanon could spiral out of control and affect the wider region - or even the whole world.

Residents said that they are most upset to see the crying faces of children, most of whom do not understand the reason behind the violence around them.

Filipino cargo company employee Lito Vicoy, 36, said he thought a peaceful resolution was possible in the coming days.

"A ceasefire could happen if both sides were prepared to talk. I think they could find a solution to all of this. It is hard to see the suffering of the children. They don't know what the conflict is about," he said.

Syrian production manager Hussam Khouri, 32, said discussions were needed to end the bloodshed.

"Both sides should sit together and talk. They should be creative because this fighting is not worth it."

Bamdad Fagihi, 27, from Iran, who works at an interior design company, feared external influences could hamper the search for a settlement.

"If foreign countries don't interfere, they can solve their own problems. These countries always have problems when other countries in the region or western countries interfere. This time it is not calming down quickly," he said.

British engineer Graeme Park, 51, however, said foreign intervention was needed if the bombing was to end.

"I think what's happening is despicable. The Israelis have got the bit between their teeth and the rest of the world should get them under control."

Sajida, an US citizen of Iraqi origin, said her worry was that the conflict could broaden to involve more countries than just Israel and Lebanon.

"I'm scared ... that it could escalate and be disastrous. I am not very optimistic because there are great powers at play who want to control this very priceless part of the world," she said.

Humaid Al Nuaimi, a 32-year-old police officer from the UAE, said it could be months before the situation stabilises.

"If no one interferes, I don't think things will settle down before six months," he added.

Omar Shatila, a 20-year-old student from Lebanon, who arrived from Beirut on Wednesday, hoped the conflict would end much more quickly.

"I think the violence on Lebanon will continue for two more weeks; Israel won't stop until Hezbollah is destroyed and the world is supporting it."

Sophia Becks, 31, from Sweden, also condemned the effect the conflict was having on youngsters.

"It's really upsetting me so much to see the children die while the world is sitting and watching. I don't see a near end to this, Israel is determined to destroy Lebanon over the Lebanese and it won't stop unless it gets what it wants," she said.

Simon, from the UK, who works in a construction company, said global powers should intervene to bring things to an end.

"I believe children in both Lebanese and Israeli sides are suffering, when you launch a missile it won't differentiate between young and old, civilian or military," he said.

Larry Padilla, 37, from the Philippines, said: "It seems ... that the war will not end soon; seeing that the world leaders are ... not doing anything signifies it won't finish before at least three weeks. I don't think [Israel's] missiles and rockets know the difference between a fighter and a child."

Wafa Gani, a 27-year-old business development administrator from India, said violence would not help solve problems.

Jihan Akel, 29, from Jordan, said both Arab and international communities hold responsibility for the killing of children.