What is taking place in Lebanon and Gaza is a heinous crime against humanity whose perpetrators should be tried before the International Court of Justice. The unjustified military operations in Lebanon and Gaza were really planned to destroy Hezbollah's facilities and Hamas' infrastructure after assuming office.

In the wake of the abduction of the IDF soldier in Gaza, Egypt acted immediately to save the Palestinians from destruction. Therefore, Egypt called for a ceasefire by Israel to secure the release of the IDF soldier in return for the release of Palestinian ministers, members of the Legislative Council and prisoners detained by Israel. In this context, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert confirmed to President Mubarak that Israel would release large numbers of prisoners more than expected even by Abu Mazen himself.

Yet, some Arab and Muslim regional powers obstructed the release efforts, so Israel's military operations continued in Gaza. After the miscalculated operation by Hezbollah which left 8 IDF soldiers dead, 2 captured and 21 injured, the crisis complicated more and more. Israel made use of the opportunity to destruct the infrastructure of Hezbollah and disarm it after Iran provided it with long-range missiles that threaten the northern cities of Israel. This is plus targeting the Lebanese infrastructure and killing civilians, hence Lebanon turns into a battlefield but not between Hezbollah and Israel, rather between the United States and Iran.

The Iranians also attempted to get Egypt embarrassed when they asked for attending the meeting of the Arab foreign ministers in Cairo and forming a committee comprising Egypt, Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas to tackle the crisis. Egypt realized this entrapment, particularly when Israel refuses the demands of Hezbollah to stop the military operations in return for the implementation of UNSC resolution no. 1559 and the disarmament of Hezbollah. No doubt, Israel will come out of this war not as a winner, rather a loser.

Anwar Mohamed
Al Akhbar
July 20, 2006