A Deepening Crisis



Israeli attacks kill Lebanese civilians

srael launched a significant escalation of its military campaign against Hezbollah militants in Lebanon today, with a series of air strikes which left 30 civilians dead, including a number of civilian refugees fleeing the fighting.

In one attack, apparently on vehicles full of families trying to get away from the bombing, an estimated 13 people, including eight children, died when a truck and a car were incinerated by an Israeli air attack.

The small convoy was carrying people evacuating the village of Marwaheen after Israeli loudspeaker warnings to leave their homes. Seven of the dead were from a single family, according to eye-witnesses including a photographer from the Associated Press, Nasser Nasser, whose pictures show bodies, including a baby, scattered on the road.

Last night an Israeli military spokeswoman said they were still investigating the reports of the incident.

Israel's policies are not working, they have backed themseleves into a corner and are now lashing out at the Lebanon. They are most frightened of becoming a minority in their own country, demographics and time are not their friends.

You'd think that Israel could solve their problems by pumping money into the Gaza Strip and The West Bank, you know creating jobs. Creating a middle class in the Occupied Territories would go a long way to securing peace.

Why go to war, when trade is much less bloody?

Royal Navy ships head for Lebanon

Defence Secretary Des Browne has given orders for HMS Illustrious and HMS Bulwark to "make ready" for operations off Lebanon.

The pair will depart as soon as necessary, possibly within 24 hours.

No order for evacuating UK citizens has yet been given, but ministers and defence staff are considering a plan to evacuate those trapped in Lebanon.

I would not be suprised if the Israelis attack one of our ships, like they did to the American USS Liberty, to prevent anyone from seeing what they are doing.