Ignoring international law and the Geneva Convention, Israel continues bombarding civilian areas in Lebanon while it claims its attacks only target Hezbollah's bases.
Innocent civilians are being collectively punished in Lebanon because Hezbollah fighters captured two Israeli soldiers. Bombing bridges, destroying roads and water stations and killing civilians are deliberate acts of terrorism as described in Article 33 of the Geneva Convention.
"Civilians", according to the 1949 Geneva Conventions, and their 1977 Protocols, are all those who are not active participants in an armed conflict.
Under Article 51 of Protocol I
"The civilian population as such, as well as individual civilians, shall not be the object of attack. Acts or threats of violence the primary purpose of which is to spread terror among the civilian population are prohibited."
This proves that Israel's attack in Lebanon on July 15 targeting a minibus carrying civilians trying to flee the village of Marwahin in the South, resulting in 18 deaths, constituted a breach of international law.
Also Article 28 of the Fourth Geneva Convention states:
"The presence of a protected person may not be used to render certain points or areas immune from military operations,"
And Article 48 of Protocol I states that "the presence within the civilian population of individuals who do not come within the definition of civilians does not deprive the population of its civilian character."
This indicates that the presence of military targets in civilian areas of Beirut and in villages in the South of Lebanon does not make those areas acceptable military targets.
The heaviest toll from the Israeli offensive has been borne by civilians, including women, old men and children.
This had always been the Israeli policy, approaching any problem using its military might, without fearing international condemnation or pressure, given the diplomatic support it receives from the U.S. and other western governments.
The number of civilians killed and injured in Israeli attacks is increasing by the hour.
Israel's war machine is destroying the Lebanese infrastructure including foundations that could help civilians survive the ongoing onslaught.
The situation is getting worse in Lebanon, causing mounting desperation among families caught in the deadly and persistent attacks by the Israeli army.
"We are so depressed," said Layal al-Arab, 22, a nurse. "Two days ago we had everything, shopping and beautiful cafes. Now everything is damaged -- including ourselves."
Israel destroyed in days what the Lebanese spent years and billions of dollars to rebuild.
The Lebanese population feels left out by the world, specially the Arab leaders who failed to unite and pressure Israel end its barbaric acts in the Lebanese territories.
The world powers decided to turn a blind eye to the savagery of Israel's acts.
