Brutality
31 July, 2006
As the US Secretary Of State Condoleeza Rice says that Israel has been attacking Lebanon in its defence, an Israeli air strike on a shelter for displaced people killed more than 60 civilians, including at least 37 children on Sunday last.
The raid on the southern village of Qana " the bloodiest single attack during Israel`s 19-day-old war on Hezbollah " prompted
Lebanon to tell US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice she was unwelcome in Beirut for talks.
A Lebanese foreign ministry official told an urgent session of the UN Security Council that more than 60 people were killed, mostly
women and children. Another Israeli air strike killed five civilians, including two children, in village of Yaroun
Rice, who was in Israel, said she was saddened by the Qana air raid, but stopped well short of calling for an immediate
ceasefire.
Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said he would not hold negotiations before a ceasefire, scuppering Rice`s visit. Rice later
said she had called off her trip to Beirut.
Strongly condemning Israeli attacks on Lebanon, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan told an emergency session of the
UN Security Council to immediately demand an end to hostilities in the region.
"For the sake of the people of the region and of this organisation I urge you to act, and to act now," he pleaded.
He told the session "very clearly and briefly, the authority and standing of this council are at stake."
Here are some questions
1) Is killing of 37 children a defensive step as Condoleeza Rice says?
2) What should be the reaction of Muslim countries to Israeli brutalities?
3) Israel claims its forces are targeting only Hezbollah settlements? Is that true?
4) Do you agree with Mr. Annan who says the standing of UN is on stake?
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