The Daily Background

ISRAELI AIRSTRIKES RESUME EARLY
Israel has resumed airstrikes only a day after it announced that it would suspend them for 48 hours after the international community reacted with shock at Israel’s illegal but “mistaken” bombing of 60 civillian refugees, the majority of whom were children. There is also talk of Israel widening the ground war in Lebanon signifigantly.

UN NOT ALLOWED INTO SO. LEB; REFUGEES STARVING
Refugees have been fleeing southern Lebanon in droves over the last several hours. The United Nations World Food Program convoy scheduled to enter south Lebanon late last week was not able to after the Israeli military refused not to bomb it. There have also been reports of the Israeli military bombing ambulances– a violation of international law. It is not presently clear whether or not the UN has been let into the area by the Israeli miliary, so that the international organization may provide food and water.

Reports indicate that at least one refugee died of starvation while fleeing today, and others have told reporters that they are only able to feed their children a single piece of candy a day, while drinking muddy rainwater from puddles.

Editor’s note: Details about the current situation with regard to the airstrikes and ground situation in Southern Lebanon are scarce at the moment, although reports do indicate increased ground activity by the Israeli military. Expect a fuller picture on this in tomorrow morning’s Daily Brief…

Filed under: Middle East Crisis, Z-TDB Blog