Reacting to UN Resolution 1701
CAIRO: Following the 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah, the UN Security Council imposed Resolution 1701. The resolution is aimed at ending the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah and the immediate cessation of any military operations.
The Daily Star Egypt took to the streets to gauge the Egyptian public’s views concerning the resolution and subsequent cease-fire.
I think that the Security Council resolution favors the Lebanese. It proved the Israeli army s failure. It also proved that Arabs can t be broken. Mohammed, petroleum engineer
It is the first time we see the Security Council issuing a resolution to implement a cease fire against Israel’s will. The entire world is against Israel s use of barbarism in dealing with such situations – except the U.S., of course. America plays the role of the godfather for Israel. Rowayna, student
The resolution came too late. Many innocent people were killed and many houses were destroyed. Lebanon also suffered massive losses economically. The Security Council resolution helps Israel more but I think the most important thing is the cease-fire. Nayera, house wife
The first thing I want to say is long live Hezbollah. I also want to say that the resolution is very ineffective. Disarming Hezbollah means that there is no real force defending Lebanon. There will be no real resistance. Believe me. If Israel was in control, it wouldn t agree to a cease-fire at all. They ceased fire because their soldiers were afraid of death. Plus they don t believe in the case they are fighting for. There is no more saving Private Ryan. Waleed, pharmacist
I believe that international forces can settle peace in the region, but I don t think disarming Hezbollah will be to Lebanon’s advantage. With any approaching clash Israel will be secure, as there will be no resistance. The Lebanese army is not as strong as Hezbollah. A movement with ideology is stronger than an army. Rasha, lawyer
Israel’s history is a good indicator for us. They never respect resolutions or agreements. And it happened even after the resolution, when they conducted military operations in Lebanon. They will find any excuse after disarming Hezbollah to do what they couldn t do before the resolution. Mohammed, teacher
The cease-fire resolution is considered a gift from the U.S. to its daughter Israel to give it a chance to rearrange its forces and stop the launchings of Hezbollah rockets. Ateya, medical student
The international forces will leave if any war takes place. So the situation is the same, but they implemented this resolution just to disarm Hezbollah. Frankly, I believe that Israel is the strongest country in the Middle East. Amir, accountant
