Israel Refuses Truce

Once more, Israel, the US and the UK have come together to flout the UN in another attempt to undermine the institution. This time, Israel has refused a call by the UN to observe a truce for three days to allow aid to reach children and the elderly. This refusal further compounds the suffering of the Lebanese people during war that is being waged against them. So far, over 600 people have died in Lebanon and over 1,800 people have been wounded. And yet, Bush and Blair still refuse to call for a ceasefire, even though both have said they want the violence to end in public. However, the reality is that they see this as an opportunity. As George Bush said at their joint press conference, this is a:

chance for broader change in the region.

Yes, the deaths of hundreds of civilians, including children, is an opportunity for 'change' in the region. Funny, to me it just looks like murder but hey ho. Of course, given the nature of the circumstances, we wouldn't want to be seen arming one side would we?

Strangely, bearing in mind the fact that our PM 'deplores' the violence in Lebanon, we seem to be quite happy to allow Israel to receive vast shipments of military arms. As the flight from Prestwick showed, we are not going to stand in the way of supplying missiles to Israel so they can continue to destroy the civilian infrastructure in Lebanon. Oh yes, Beckett did complain, but it was brushed aside as a 'paper-work' issue (not a human rights issue). Still, we did get a 'one line apology' for the incident. It is yet another example of the contempt that the US has for the UK despite the 'special relationship' we supposedly share. It was also a rather pathetic attempt by Beckett to show that she is not another poodle, unquestioning in her support of Bush and his cabal. Meanwhile, the civilians continue to die at an alarming rate with bombs delivered courtesy of Bush and Blair.