UN Security Council Criticizes Air Strike; Israel Agrees To Temporary Ceasefire

The United Nations Security Council has unanimously expressed "extreme shock and distress" at the Israeli attack on Qana (also attacked in 1996), but continued US opposition to an immediate ceasefire limited the extent of the resolution. The attack killed at least 54 civilians, including 37 children.

In the wake of the UN resolution, Israel has suspended air strikes for 48 hours. However, ground operations continue.

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan: "I am deeply dismayed that my earlier calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities were not heeded."

Qana is about 11 km (seven miles) from the Israeli border; Israel bombed the area at 1.30 am. Israel has placed the blame fully on the shoulders of Hezbollah. According to The (Australian) Age, "When asked who was responsible for the civilian deaths in Qana, Peres, a former Israeli prime minister, said: 'Totally, totally it's (Hezbollah's) fault.'"

Lebanon countered: "We hold Israel totally responsible for all massacres that are being committed."

Israel complains that Hezbollah place rockets in heavily populated areas. However, Israel reportedly places armaments near Arab neighborhoods.

Technorati Profile
Technorati tags: Middle East , Politics
gada.be tags: Middle East, Politics