Israelis even called this the biggest incursion in recent time, the so-called "Operation Days of Penitence". But we would like to ask them -- who should actually repent for such brutal killing of the Palestinians? There have been claims of militants being killed in the attacks, but who is going to be held responsible for the civilian casualties including innocent children? Many Palestinians were killed, houses were destroyed, but the rockets did not stop. We are disgusted with Sharon's so-called policy of tackling militants which leads to spiralling violence, and consequently, more human miseries.

We are also dismayed by the reaction of the United States to the latest spurt in Israeli violence. Though Washington called for 'restraint' by the Israeli military, it also supported Israel's right to protect its citizens. It is this equivocation that has fuelled Tel Aviv's wanton aggression. It seems that Israeli security is the prime concern for the US foreign policy, Palestinian lives hardly matter. These are being lost in droves at the altar of the so-called security of Israel which is armed to the teeth as it is.

We understand that Sharon probably wants to weaken Hamas before Gaza pullout. But he should realise that violence would only complicate matters. Those among the Israelis opposing the pullout have an upper hand -- thanks to unabated state-sponsored terrorism in Palestinian territories. The world must wake up, especially the big powers, and call a halt, through the UNSC, to this mindless killing of helpless Palestinians, including innocent women and children.