I am disgusted that the Malaysian government is discouraging Malaysian citizens from holding demonstrations and organising boycotts in response to the Israeli aggression in Lebanon. I am saddened by the comments of our prime minister in dismissing any possibility of a boycott of the US thus meaning that business interests take precedence over human life.

The situation in the Middle East is deteriorating badly. Some nations are in complicity with Israel. Others are keeping mum. Basically there is an element of fear in the world at the moment. No country wants to be seen as supporting the freedom fighters of Lebanon (Hezbollah). It is a repeat of the 1940s when the European countries said nothing of Adolf Hitler's invasion of Poland.

At that time, the trend was simply that in order to avoid being invaded as well, other nations chose to help Adolf Hitler instead of condemning him.

Malaysia must be unequivocal in our condemnation of Israel. Israel's invasion of Lebanon has no justification whatsoever. Israel continues to espouse lies to hoodwink the world into thinking that they are the victims. They continue to lie about the reasons they invaded Lebanon.

It was two days after the Israeli bombardment of Lebanon that the Lebanese resistance (Hezbollah) fired rockets into Israel in retaliation. Now Israel claims that they are invading Lebanon in self-defence in order to destroy the rocket launchers in Lebanon. A clear case of 'putting the cart before the horse'.

Israel also claims they are invading Lebanon to free two of their captured soldiers. Wait a minute ... what about the hundreds of Lebanese servicemen already languishing in Israeli jails? Under international law, the proper procedure is to declare a ceasefire then to proceed with the transfer of POWs (prisoners of war).

However, Israel, which is in breach of international law refuses to acknowledge the captured Lebanese soldiers as POWs. Instead, Israel calls them 'terrorists'. When the Lebanese resistance mimics Israeli behaviour and captures Israeli soldiers in return, Israel changes the rules and claims that their soldiers have been 'kidnaped'.

The way to deal with this Middle East crisis is crystal clear. Israel alone is the aggressor and Israel alone is to be blamed. The procedures for tackling conflicts is all too obvious.

First, there must be an unconditional ceasefire.

Second, the UN Security Council must assess the root cause of the problem and address it. It will be apparent that the conflict is a land dispute.

Third, Israel must withdraw its troops from all of Lebanon's territory including the Sheba Farms which is the source of the hostility.

Fourth, a peacekeeping force must be deployed on the border between Israel and Lebanon.

Finally, an agreement is to be signed by Lebanon and Israel which includes the terms for peace and security.

Unfortunately, the United Nations is being prevented from seeking an unconditional ceasefire in the Middle East by Israel's financier and military backer, the United States of America.