Yesterday, human rights watch confirmed Israel's use of cluster bombs on Lebanonese civilians, specifically in the village of Blida (July 19). These bombs are very indiscriminate and contrary to international humanitarian law. There is no other use for this bomb except to kill or wound civilians, as it leaves behind smaller bomblets, similiar to a small anti-personnel mine. Furthermore, although uncomfirmed by an independent source, Lebanese president Emile Lahoud has also claimed that Israel has used white phosphorous against civilians, a clear violation of international law if true.

Another interesting development is a story released by the SF Gate, which revealed that Israel had very developed plans for this war. This gives further credence to the argument that this war was planned and premeditated by Israel. This was not an "accidental war" as The Economist claimed in a recent editorial. This is part of the larger neo-con idea of remaking the Middle East by force.

Finally, don't give me this bullshit that Israel doesn't target civilians. You don't use cluster bombs unless you are targeting civilians. The damage has been done. An immediate cease-fire without triggering a wider regional war is our best hope for an end to this madness.

At least 226 people have been killed in Lebanon and 25 in Israel. The World Health Organization estimates 900,000 Lebanese to be displaced from their homes. Calls for a cease-fire have been met with resistance from Israel and the United States, steadfastly supporting Israel's sovereign right to defend itself. While Israel has the right and responsibility to defend itself, the bombardment and subsequent invasion of Lebanon constitutes a form of collective punishment against a vulnerable civilian population, not self-defense. Targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure (i.e. Power plants and Beirut International Airport) violate the fourth Geneva convention. Of course it goes without saying that Hezbollah rocket attacks into Israeli civilian homes is also criminal.

The responsible course of action is the proposed cease-fire brokered by international peacekeepers. Unless looking for a wider regional war, Israel should relinquish its demand for an immediate disarmament of Hezbollah. Israeli government officials know disarmament is unlikely given Hezbollah's strong domestic support in Southern Lebanon for its role in getting Israeli Defensive Forces out of Lebanon six years ago.

The future must involve an end to the unilateral policies of the Israeli government and of course an end to the brutal occupation of the Palestinians. As Israel calls for Lebanon's compliance with the UNSC's demand for the disarmament of Hezbollah, Israel should be looking to fullfil its own obligations to UNSC resolution 242 and 338.