Israel-Lebanon Conflict Escalates as US Stays Neutral
As the violence between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon intensifies, the US government maintains a hands-off approach, drawing criticism for not doing more to broker a ceasefire.
Washington - As the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon rages on, the U.S. government has applied little public pressure on Israel to halt the airstrikes and ground operations that have killed hundreds of Lebanese civilians. The White House has largely stayed on the sidelines, drawing criticism from some for not doing more to broker a ceasefire and end the bloodshed.
The Bush administration has insisted that Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group, must first stop its rocket attacks on Israeli cities before a ceasefire can be negotiated. This stance has angered many in the Arab world, who argue that the U.S. is tacitly supporting Israel's disproportionate use of force.
Mourning the Victims
In Lebanon, the human toll of the conflict is evident at makeshift cemeteries like the one in the village of Aamrousiyeh, where freshly dug graves are adorned with the yellow flags of Hezbollah. Families gather to mourn loved ones killed in the airstrikes, their grief and anger palpable.
{{IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER}}Source: The New York Times
