Early morning on Thursday, the Lebanese people were shocked to see Israeli jets raining bombs on Beirut airport, bridges and other infrastructure facilities in clear violation of UN conventions and international treaties. Even villages were not spared. The Zionist state continues its air raids, killing innocent civilians, including children and women.

Only three weeks ago, Israel invaded Gaza and is now opening a new front in Lebanon, which has, of late, been enjoying security and stability. The bombardments have resulted in death and destruction and enormous financial losses, especially at a time when tourism season is in full swing in Lebanon.

This new bout of aggression makes us wonder whether Israel would open a third or fourth front. The reason is that Israel makes its plans and executes them with no consideration whatsoever for any laws or human rights, for it knows full well that it has a world power on its side to support and protect it.

Ever since the Jewish state came into being in 1948, it has been engaged in merciless killing and wanton destruction. No sooner does one campaign of massacres stop than another starts. It appears that Israel cannot survive unless it commits massacres and sees the blood of innocents splattered around. Israel is, without doubt, addicted to such heinous practices on a daily basis, backed as it is by the silence of the international community and support of the US administration. This situation has definitely encouraged the Zionist state to commit more and more crimes and enjoy the gory scenes of bloodshed and destruction.

A close reading of history reveals that Israel has a criminal record, perhaps worst for any country. Israel, therefore, is the biggest criminal in the history of humankind. The happenings in Palestine and Lebanon are clear evidence that it continues to perpetrate its crimes in cold blood.

The latest Israeli invasion of Lebanon shows that none of its neighboring countries, and even other countries, is safe. Israeli acts of aggression also confirm that international laws have no power to prevent Israel from committing further crimes. Israel is emboldened by the knowledge that the international community would not take any action against it apart from issuing condemnations and denouncements.

It is incumbent on the international community to put an end to the Israeli savagery.

This is possible only if Israel is forced to comply with international laws and resolutions. It is high time strict punishments were imposed on Israel to force it to end its terror in the region.

It is common knowledge that Israel derives its strength and arrogance from the total protection and unconditional support it enjoys from the US, which last Thursday, vetoed a UN draft resolution that would have called for an end to attacks on Gaza and disproportionate use of force on its adversaries.

In a clear show of positive support to Israel, the US has been pumping funds and arms into Israel so it can pulverize the Arabs at will. The US administration has defended the Israeli blitzkrieg on Lebanon saying Israel has the right to defend itself. Ironically, the US is keen on promoting itself as a preserver of justice and equality in the world.

The world must either put an end to the savage practices of Israel or provide the Palestinians with advanced weapons similar to those possessed by Israel. Furthermore, the US has to cease backing the Israelis. This will put an end to Israeli aggression or make the confrontation balanced.

— Essa bin Mohammed Al-Zedjali is editor in chief of The Times of Oman.