Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Siniora pleads for cease-fire, says his country has suffered an "immeasurable loss."

By Brendan Smith
brendansmith@transworldnews.com

After the deadliest day of fighting since Israel began its offensive eight days ago, Lebanon’s Prime Minister Fuad Siniora asked a group of foreign diplomats "can the international community stand by while such callous retribution by the state of Israel is inflicted on us?" 

According to Siniora’s government 70 Lebanese casualties were reported Wednesday, bringing the total to 310 deaths as a result of Israel’s attacks in southern Lebanon. Heavy air strikes on Beirut have left the capital city in shambles. Buildings and houses have been flattened, the city’s infrastructure has been destroyed, and Israel has issued warnings that they are not finished.

Israel is determined to eradicate the threat of Hezbollah and drive them from the northern border. It was the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah that set into motion the violent events that have unfolded. Israel’s Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has said that the abductions were an “act of war” by Lebanon and stated “nothing is safe.”

Despite being recognized as a political party inside the Lebanese government, Siniora has repeatedly contended that Lebanon can not control Hezbollah or their actions. This view has been shared by many world leaders. By his own admission, Siniora’s government can not disarm Hezbollah or put an army along the border with Israel.

As a result, Israel has vowed to do whatever it takes to wipe out Hezbollah’s arsenal of weapons and drive them from their northern border.

With the death toll mounting, of which most have been civilians, Lebanon’s minister of the economy, Sami Haddad, has said “We are really facing a humanitarian disaster.”

The U.S. has stated that Israel is acting in self-defense, a position that has angered Siniora. Addressing the group of foreign diplomats, Siniora asked, "Is this what the international community calls self-defense?"

The United States has recognized Hezbollah as a terrorist group and as such feels that Lebanon bears some responsibility for harboring the Shiite militants. But, U.S. president George Bush is quick to point out that Iran and Syria could end the violence by exerting pressure on Hezbollah, a group both countries aid.

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