Harry's Blog

Last night an Israeli air strike on the Lebanese town of Qana killed 54 people, including at least 34 children.

Remember how this all started, Lebanese-based Hezzbollah kidnapped two Israeli soldiers. Does the Israeli response seem remotely proportionate?

The US continues to allow Israel to behave how it wants, it's the only nation that can stop the killing, but continues to supply bombs and missiles - shipping them through the UK.

Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora has refused to hold talks with the US following the killings in Qana which he called "heinous crimes against civilians". He said that there was no chance of talks until Israel halted such attacks.

Condoleezza Rice said the US government was "deeply saddened by the terrible loss of innocent life". What did they expect Israel to do with the bombs they gave it, make an anti-war sculpture?

According to UN figures 600 people have been killed by Israel in the 19 days of this conflict, at least 200 of these are children. Meanwhile 51 Israelis have died and of course two soldiers were taken prisoner, the spark that ignited the crisis.

I'm not going to defend the actions of Hezbollah at all. The shelling of Israel and the kidnapping of the two soldiers was an act of terrorism. Yet compared to the astonishingly disproportionate and murderous response of Israel it seems like a mere trifle.

I feel ashamed. Ashamed that my country is helping these bombings take place. Firstly by offering tacit approval by not condemning Israel's actions, secondly by offering support to US foreign policy and more directly as we are allowing the bombs used to be shipped through our country.

Prime Minister Blair makes great claims to be a Christian. It's about time he proved it. We know Bush's brand of right-wing Christianity eagerly anticipates Middle East conflict as hastening the rapture, but surely Blair doesn't buy into this crackpot nonsense?

The UK is no longer a world power. The Suez Crisis saw an end to real British power on the world stage. But I still believe we need to go the way of France, a nation willing to stand up to the USA. While the UK may not have the power to stop Israel. A public stand against such events as the atrocity in Qana would be a beacon of light in this very dark time.