Israeli attacks on Lebanon seen long in the planning

Abu Dhabi: As Israel's bombardment of Lebanon enters its 19th day claiming the lives of more than 600 civilians across the country, Gulf News yesterday asked UAE residents whether they thought the Jewish state had planned the assault even before Hezbollah fighters seized two Israeli soldiers on July 12.

Perhaps reflecting the perceived view of his government, Dusty, an American engineer from Texas, said he thought Israel has reacted justifiably to Hezbollah's attacks. He was adamant the ongoing bombardment was not pre-planned.

"Hezbollah knew they'd get a reaction like this. What do they expect? This is a terribly worrying situation in the region. Why did they go in and kidnap soldiers? Israel is reacting to what they see as a threat. Their military action was never pre-planned," he said.

Esmail Hassan, a Palestinian whose family resides in Syria, views the situation differently. He said Israel's action had been planned since its troops withdrew from southern Lebanon in 2000.

"Ever since then Israel has been looking for an excuse to wipe out what it thinks of as terrorist organisations. No one in the Arab world is surprised by how they have reacted to the kidnappings," he said.

According to Esmail, Israel's military campaign is consistent with its desire to destroy any group even elected governments it calls terrorists . A view he accuses the US of supporting.

"Just look what they did to the elected Hamas government in the Occupied Territories. Israel has abducted elected members of the Palestinian government because it sees them as terrorists. If it could have killed them like it is trying to do to Hezbollah it would," he said.

Not surprising

Less confident but nevertheless agreeing with Esmail, Ian Brenton and Victoria Andres from New Zealand said they "wouldn't be at all surprised" if Israel had planned the attacks much earlier.

"My guess is that they were looking for an excuse and they got it after the soldiers were kidnapped. It wouldn't surprise me if Israel isn't aiming for serious political change to the Lebanese government, said Brenton.

Mohammad Kaddoura, whose Palestinian family lives in Lebanon, said he believes Israel has been planning the attacks.

"I don't think the Israelis want to necessarily change the Lebanese government. It not in their interest to stoke another civil war in Lebanon. But I do think they have now been given an excuse to take out the Hezbollah," he said.

UN-registered aid agency asks for help

A UN-registered relief organisation appealed to the public to provide much needed medicines for the people of Lebanon.

The International Association for Human Values (IAHV) Dubai, appealed to the public to donate medicines according to a list of what's most urgently by the evacuees.

Dr Prabhakar Rao, chief executive officer of IAHV Dubai, said they are focusing on shipping urgently needed medicines that are in short supply.

The Syrian Arab Airlines and the United Parcel Service (UPS) have agreed to ship relief supplies from Damascus to Beirut free of cost.

"Our own volunteers, two of whom are doctors, will be handling the shipment and ensuring the distribution of the same," said Dr Rao.

The IAHV will not be accepting cash donations directly. Donors are requested to buy the medicines and call their office at 3680219.