We call on all parties to ensure an immediate ceasefire. Bombing, rocket attacks, ground invasions, kidnappings and all other forms of violence must be suspended.

First and foremost, as a human rights group, we condemn the killing of innocent civilians.

The UN is warning of an impending humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Lebanon. United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour expressed grave concern over the continued killing and maiming of civilians in Lebanon,Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory and called for accountability for any breaches of international law.

Global Exchange immediately calls for the U.S. government to:

Demand an immediate ceasefire on all sides. All sides need to be held accountable to international law. The Bush administration needs to pressure Israel to show restraint and stop its disproportionate military actions in Lebanon and Gaza.

Build international intervention NOW. We need to encourage the UN to deploy peace troops on the Lebanon/Israel border to facilitate a de-escalation, and commit to participate in regional diplomacy in multi-party negotiations.

Work with the international community in building a lasting diplomatic peace in the region—one that includes withdrawing from Iraq and ending the occupation of Palestinian territories. We should show leadership, putting our security energies into building diplomacy in a region that desperately needs a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.

The Israeli attacks against civilians in Gaza and Lebanon are not legitimate self-defense. Rather than targeting militants, the Israeli army is specifically bombing bridges, airports, sanitation facilities and power stations, even a milk factory, and has killed hundreds of civilians with no connection to Hezbollah. Retaliatory attacks that harm civilian populations and public infrastructure are forbidden by the Geneva Conventions.

Through our experience in the region, we have met a people that, on the whole, rejects violence. In fact, more than 50% of the population of Lebanese voters rejected Hezbollah in the last election, and the parliamentary majority is against the group's actions. Cracking down on the civilian population of Beirut is not going to achieve any lasting solution.

The U.S. government's response has been to block UN measures for peace. Last Thursday, July 13th, John Bolton, U.S. Ambassador to the UN, vetoed a resolution calling for all sides to exercise restraint. On Sunday the 16th, a UN attempt to call for a ceasefire between Israel and Hizbollah was once again blocked by the U.S.

This is not just a humanitarian crisis: it is a political crisis. Some have called Hizbollah a "front group" for Iran and Syria, and the Bush administration is tacitly threatening action against these countries. We fear that further polarizing the region will set up the groundwork for another U.S.-led war in the Middle East.

To get more involved contact our Middle East department (mideast@globalexchange.org) or visit the U.S. Campaign to End Israeli Occupation.

Our hearts go out to everyone who is feeling the weight of this crisis.

Global Exchange