For no apparent reason, the 48-hour suspension of Israeli airstrikes was cut short today. Ehud Olmert, the Israeli PM, told local officials, “The fighting continues. There is no ceasefire and there will not be any ceasefire in the coming days.” His statement was received with much applause. Without irony, Olmert said, “We are fighting against murderous terrorists and the war will not stop until we clear them from the border.” Still, many civilians in southern Lebanon fled as the partial halt of airstrikes assured them a slightly safer departure than previous days.

A UN official complained that the partial suspension was not adequate enough, saying, “In these circumstances, the United Nations is continuing its relief efforts, but the conditions do not yet exist for a major increase in humanitarian operations.” Early Monday in southern Lebanon, Lebanese soldiers fighting Hezbollah had their effort compromised when Israeli airstrikes destroyed their vehicle. One soldier was killed and two others were wounded. There is mounting international pressure for Israel to call for a ceasefire, but Israeli and American officials refuse to act.

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