The conflict between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah has lasted for 15 days. The Israeli ground forces have made incursions into the Lebanese territory and started fighting with the Hezbollah in South Lebanon village, Bint Jbeil. Up until now, the conflict has caused more than 500,000 Lebanese to flee from their homes. 380 people were killed and 1,000 injured in conflict, among which, many of who were innocent. The United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator, Jan Egeland, estimated that at least $150 million would be needed to resolve this humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. The Israeli military strikes not only targeted on the positions and facilities of the Hezbollah, but also targeted on other areas in Lebanon including the capital, Beirut. The military strikes have severely damaged the airports, highways, bridges, television transmission towers, and other infrastructure and civil constructions. Now, the whole of Lebanon is submerged in blaze and smoke. Children are crying and women are grieving.

Israel itself has also faced a serious of security challenges throughout these years. There have been 40 people killed and hundreds wounded in the conflicts. Many towns and villages in northern Israel, including its third largest city and the largest port city Haifa have suffered missile and rockets attacks by the Hezbollah.

With the conflict graded up, particularly the Israeli bombing of Lebanon strengthened, more and more Lebanese died in the conflicts, which caused increasing unease and anger amongst the international community. At the beginning of the incident, Israel was able to win some sympathy because its soldiers were captured. However, Israel's over-reaction, which brought an increasing casualty body count, has led to increasing and stronger condemnation from the international community.

Not only have Arabic and Muslim governments and people expressed their indignation towards Israel's indiscriminate killing, people and media of Spain, Britain and other Western countries have also started to criticize and protest against Israel. Even people of Israel voiced their disagreement on the attacks on Lebanon. The British "Financial Times" published a commentary, pointing out that Israel using so much force to punish Lebanon is against the law of war.

Analysts believe that there are three reasons to explain why the Israeli side has over-reacted. First, Israel has underestimated the complexity of the situation. Depending on its strong military strength, Israel believes that it can overnight defeat the Lebanese. Second, Israel has gained the support and acquiescence of the United States. The United States refused to put pressure on Israel to cease-fire. Her Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice also set up the purpose for her coming, mediating the visit to the Middle East as "isolating Syria and Iran." Third, the international community has been acting "negatively", especially at the beginning of the outbreak of the conflict.

The reality shows that at least up till now Israel has not reached its desired goal for its military operations. The two soldiers are still waiting to be rescued; the Hezbollah can still fire rockets to the areas in Northern Israel for example Haifa. In addition to the US $10 million military cost everyday, Israel also paid a considerable price for its economic and social instability. Its Northern region has been out of order for many days. Given the present situation, Israel should reconsider other ways and means to solve the problem.

Worried about the potential upgrade of the conflicts, which could be out of control and thereupon trigger a regional all-out war as well as a greater humanitarian catastrophe, the international community has cried out for ceasefire. France, Germany and Britain, and other countries have initiated the mediation. Under such circumstances, Israel said that it was willing to treat the Lebanese government as a negotiating partner. The Hezbollah also agreed to let the Lebanese government present in the negotiations on behalf of the Hezbollah. Both sides should treasure the opportunity and put an end to the conflict as soon as possible.

By People's Daily Online; The author Wang Nan, senior editor of People's Daily Online