Annan calls for immediate halt to Israel-Hezbollah conflict
Associated Press
Last update: July 20, 2006 – 11:08 AM
UNITED NATIONS -- Secretary-General Kofi Annan called today for an immediate halt to the escalating conflict between Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah militia but said there were "serious obstacles to reaching a cease-fire."
Annan said Hezbollah's actions in launching rockets into Israel and abducting Israeli soldiers "hold an entire nation hostage" and set back prospects for Middle East peace.
But he also condemned Israel's "excessive use of force" and collective punishment of the Lebanese people, saying it had triggered a humanitarian crisis.
Annan calls for immediate halt to Israel-Hezbollah conflict
