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News :: International Relations

Israel to expand Lebanon offensive

Israel is to expand its offensive against Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon, Amir Peretz, the Israeli defence minister, has said, less than a day after its attack on Qana provoked outrage.
Peretz said in a speech to the Israeli parliament that Israel must not agree to an immediate cease-fire in the almost three-week long conflict, despite a decision on Sunday to observe a 48-hour halt in airstrikes in southern Lebanon.

His comments came as Lebanon observed a national day of mourning following the deaths of more than 50 people, including 30 children, in the Israeli bombing of a building in the southern village of Qana.

Banks and public offices were closed, while flags flew at half mast in memory of those killed in Sunday's attack, the biggest single loss of life since Israel's bombardment of Lebanon began almost three weeks ago.

Lebanese newspapers printed large pictures of dead children being retrieved from under the rubble in Qana, some framed in black in a sign of mourning.

In Qana, rescue workers reportedly called off a search for survivors after spending hours digging by hand to find the corpses of those killed.

Arab and Islamic leaders condemned the attack in Qana.

In Beirut on Sunday protesters smashed their way into the United Nations headquarters as thousands massed outside chanting "Death to Israel, Death to America".

Gunmen also stormed and looted the UN compound in Gaza City during a protest over the bombing. At least two people were wounded.

The small village of Qana first came to the world's attention in 1996 when Israel shelled a UN compound in the village during its 'Grapes of Wrath' operation, killing 106 Lebanese civilians who were sheltering there.

Operations suspended

Israel suspended its air attacks across southern Lebanon for 48 hours from 2am local time on Monday, but said artillery, naval shelling and land operations would continue, although roads would not be affected.

Israel's ground offensives against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon are also continuing despite the halt to bombing raids, with Adam Ereli, a US state department spokesman in Jerusalem, said.

Condoleezza Rice, the US secretary of state, said after ending a visit to the region, that she believes a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon could be forged this week.

Overnight on Sunday Israeli fighter jets launched air strikes in eastern Lebanon near Syria, however Israel said the attacks came before the start of the 48-hour suspension.

Despite the 24-hour halt to Israel's air campaign, fighting on the ground has continued as Israeli forces press ahead with their plan to create a "security zone" inside Lebanon along the Israeli border.

"By Wednesday we are going to establish a 2km-wide 'security zone' in which there will be no infrastructure or sign of Hezbollah's presence," army operations chief General Gadi Eisenkaut told reporters on Sunday.

No Hezbollah rocket attacks had been reported in northern Israel on Monday morning.
 
 

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