Posted by Cam Simpson at 5:06 pm CDT
(Swamp note: Cam is traveling with Sectary of State Condoleezza Rice in the Middle East.)
The following is a statement from Adam Ereli, the deputy State Department spokesman, issued in Jerusalem at about midnight:
“Israel has agreed to a 48-hour suspension of aerial activity in southern Lebanon while it investigates today’s tragic incident in Qana. Israel has of course preserved the right to take action against targets preparing attacks against them. During this time Israel will coordinate with the UN to allow a 24-hour period of safe passage for all residents of Southern Lebanon who wish to leave. Humanitarian convoys remain in effect. We expect that Israel will implement these decisions so as to significantly speed and improve the flow of humanitarian aide. The US welcomes this decision and hopes that it will help relieve the suffering of children and families of Southern Lebanon.”
