Lebanon

On the 12th July 2006 two Israeli soldiers were captured by Hezbollah fighters in the area of Aitaa al-Chaab. Israel responded to this with what it described as a ‘proportionate response’. This response included the destruction by airstrikes and shelling of the airport, roads, bridges, factories and other infrastructure throughout the country but particularly south of the Litani River. More than one million people fled their homes; some moved to temporary refugee camps whilst those that could left the country.

Hezbollah fired nearly 4000 rockets into Northern Israel and in return Israel pounded villages in southern Lebanon and the parts of the Dahaieh district of Beirut and moved thousands of troops across the border.

The resulting deaths are estimated to be upwards of 1200 Lebanese and more than 150 Israelis.

On the 14th August a ceasefire came into place. In the days preceding this Israeli jets dropped cluster bombs on Southern Lebanon. More than one million of these lay unexploded amidst the destroyed villages and greeted the returning refugees. Despite strict guidelines on their use the Israelis dropped many of them near civilian and residential areas including hospitals and schools. The time required to locate and defuse these bombs may delay by up to a year the safe return of some of the displaced.

A political storm erupted in Israel with criticism and recriminations all around regarding the handling of the conflict. The resignation of the Prime Minister and Chief of Staff were called for and a top General was fired.

In Lebanon, Hassan Nasrallah the leader of Hezbollah appeared at a rally claiming that his organisation still had 20,000 rockets and were stronger than ever.

The destruction and carnage caused in Lebanon and Israel, Hezbollah’s apparent ability to survive and grow stronger beneath the staggering firepower of its neighbour and the fact that the two captured soldiers were never recovered aside, both sides claim victory.