Scholars, clergymen condemn attack on Lebanon

Mumbai, Aug 11 (UNI) Condemning the attack by Israeli forces on Lebanon, some Shia scholars, clergymen and intellectuals today described the bombings and air raids as a ''merciless act'' committed against humanity.

They asserted that there is a need to fight terrorism as it has spread its tentacles all across the globe, and many countries are suffering because of it.

''With massive air strikes on civilians, Israel has rendered more than 1.5 million people (in Lebanon) homeless and they are fighting for their survival,'' Khoja Shia Isnaashari Jamaat president Safdar Karmali told mediapersons here.

Shia scholar Maulana Hasnain Kararvi, who is also the Director of Zainibia Islamic Centre, said, ''Whether the international community listens to the hue and cries of the wounded Lebanese or not, the justice-loving human beings, irrespective of any religion, culture, caste or region feel their pain.'' Mr Karmali alleged that the United Nations, for which the world has high regard, has done little to negotiate a ceasefire.

''For almost more than half a century, Zionist forces have been making lives difficult for Palestinians and targeting poor, unarmed innocent civilians, and the capitalist world, due to its vested interests, has turned a blind eye towards these atrocities,'' he said.

The speakers also said the attacks reflect Israel's contempt for international law and the fourth Geneva Convention for the protection of civilians in times of war.

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