Lebanon in Mourning over Gaza, Condemns "Israeli" Operation

31-12-2008
Unlike previous years, December 31, 2008, was not a day for celebrations in Lebanon.
Indeed, the situation in Gaza and the "Israeli" deadly offensive against Palestinians that claimed the lives of over 390 people and injured more than 1750 others has imposed itself on Lebanese who observed a day of national mourning on Wednesday.
Flags flew at half mast in Lebanon in a day of national mourning to express solidarity with Gaza martyrs as decided by the Lebanese cabinet that met under President Michel Suleiman at the Baabda Palace on Tuesday. The cabinet also decided on a one million dollar relief aid to victims of the "Israeli" attack on Gaza.
Also on Wednesday, dozens of protestors staged a march through rain-drenched streets of Beirut, calling on Arab governments to take action to halt the "Israeli" air offensive on the Gaza Strip. The rally organized by Lebanese and Palestinian factions began at United Nations headquarters in downtown Beirut and continued towards the local offices of the Arab League in the nearby Ashrafieh district, but tight security blocked them from reaching the site. The protestors waved Palestinian flags and held up a banner reading, "No to Arab silence."
The American embassy in Beirut, meanwhile, sent an email to its citizens informing them that several protests had occurred "with little or no warning in Lebanon" and that they should "exercise caution."
"Americans are advised that even the most peaceful assembly can quickly turn violent. Americans should avoid areas where protests and demonstrations are occurring," the warden's message said.
Meanwhile, condemnations of the "Israeli" attack on Gaza continued in Lebanon. The head of the Loyalty to the Resistance parliamentary bloc MP Mohammad Raad accused the United Nations of being a "partner to "Israel" in crimes committed against women and children" in reference to the ongoing "Israeli" attack on Gaza.
"Why is the Rafah crossing closed and who issues the order to close it?" Raad wondered. "We are not placing bets on any Arab regime, we count on the patience of Gaza people and the bravery of resistance fighters," he added.
Meanwhile, First Deputy of Iraqi Speaker Khaled al-Attiah discussed with Lebanese Speaker Nabih Berri on Wednesday in Msayleh the situation in the region and in the Gaza Strip in particular. Attiah said that the meeting dealt with finding ways to confront the "Israeli" offensive on Gaza and unify the Arab and Palestinian stance to give the Gazans their rights and end "the savage attack that targeted the Palestinians."