A Major, Major Escalation' (article) by Peter Paton on AuthorsDen

'A Major, Major Escalation'

Updated: 21:28, Thursday July 13, 2006

A rocket attack on the Israeli city of Haifa has been called a "major, major escalation" in the crisis with Lebanon.

The Israeli army said a missle fired by Lebanese Shi'ite militant group Hizbollah hit the port city.

Daniel Ayalon, the Israeli Ambassador to the US, said: "This is a major, major escalation" in the situation, although a Hizbollah spokesman denied the group was responsible.

However, Hizbollah has already carried out a number of other rocket attacks, including one on the Israeli town of Safed, in which seven people were wounded.

Scene after an attack in south Lebanon

The crisis was initially sparked by a Hizbollah raid in which two Israeli soldiers were captured and eight of their comrades were killed.

Israel responded by sending troops into Lebanon and carrying out a number of airstrikes on suspected guerrilla positions.

Warplanes attacked Beirut international airport and a TV station run by Hizbollah.

Israeli helicopter gunships later fired on fuel tanks at the airport.

The UN Security Council set an urgent meeting for Friday to try and resolve the ecsalating conflict.

Israeli warplane have carried out a series of raids

Hizbollah is believed to be trying to deliver the captured Israeli soldiers to Iran, however Tehran has denied any involvement.

The Israeli attacks follow the destruction of the Palestinian Foreign Ministry in Gaza City overnight, causing widespread damage and injuring 13 people.

The Gaza City attack is the second major bombing in the region in as many nights.

On Wednesday night, nine members of the same family were killed in an air strike on a house where Hamas leaders were meeting.

Israel has been bombarding Gaza, demanding the return of Corporal Gilad Shalit who was kidnapped in a cross-border raid at the end of June.

More on This Story:

Want to review or comment on this article?

Need a FREE Reader Membership?

Reviewed by - - - - - TRASK

Reviewed on July 14, 2006

I Once Dated Pretty Intelligent Lebnanese Syrian Girl-She Could Not Stop Talking About Her Hatered Of Jews-Why Did I Stop Dating Her(Was Not Her Hatered) But,What Waste Of Beauty & Talent-She Was Only 19 Years Old...

I Met Her Dancing West View Danceland Pittsburgh...

TRASK

Reviewed by Birgit and Roger Pratcher

Reviewed on July 14, 2006

War and hatred wherever we look, it's sad. Even sadder that war and hatred are always answered with the same, a terrible burning circle with only little escape.
B&R

Reviewed by Mr. Ed

Reviewed on July 14, 2006

Just what we don't need right now, more escalating warfare and hatred. Will it ever end?

Reviewed by Sandie May Joyce (Sandie Angel)

Reviewed on July 14, 2006

I feel sad and worried when reading this, Peter. We, the poets, often paints the world so beautifully when we write, but in realities, there are so many suffering souls it is just incredible how the innocence can live through these ordeals.

Sandie May Angel a.k.a. Sandie Angel :o(

Reviewed by Susan de Vegter

Reviewed on July 13, 2006

I am a fearless person but this scares me too.
Susan

Reviewed by m j hollingshead

Reviewed on July 13, 2006

informative article, worrisome situation

Reviewed by Felix Perry

Reviewed on July 13, 2006

Another informative and fact filled jourlalist report. Well done Peter.

Fee