Abduction of Israeli Solders
13 July, 2006
The capture of three Israeli soldiers by Hamas and Hezbollah during last three weeks followed by a massive Israeli bombardment on civilians in Lebanon and Gaza has opened up a dangerous new front in lingering Middle East conflict.
The Israeli bombardment has left around 50 civilians dead, including women and children in Gaza and Lebanon during last three weeks. The fresh bombardment killed 28 civilians, including 10 children after two Israeli soldiers were captured by Hezbollah guerillas on Wednesday last.
Eight Israeli soldiers were killed, along with a Hezbollah fighter and two Lebanese civilians in the deadliest day on the border since Israel ended its 22-year occupation of southern Lebanon six years ago.
America has held Syria and Iran responsible, and says that Israel has the right to defend its territory and citizens. However, the White House was kind enough to express sorrow over the killings of innocent civilians.
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert insists there will be no negotiations with "terrorists" and said he held the Beirut government fully responsible as warplanes, gunboats and artillery pounded Israel`s northern neighbour, hitting Hezbollah and civilian targets including eight bridges.
"Hezbollah, whose militia was instrumental in forcing Israeli troops out of Lebanon in May 2000, demanded the release of Arab prisoners in return for the soldiers.
"They will only return home through indirect negotiations and an exchange of prisoners," Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah said, saying the abduction was aimed at drawing international attention to the plight of "thousands of Lebanese, Palestinian and Arab
detainees."
Here are few questions
1) Is killing of civilians justified in response to capture of soldiers?
2) Have Hamas and Hezbollah the same right to defence in case of Israeli bombardment, and killing of civilians?
3) Is the demand of Hamas and Hezbollah justified that hundreds of Arab prisoners held by Israel be released first?
4) Will Israel be ready to swap detainees with Hams and Hezbollah as it was previously done?
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