MOST wars through history have been started over territorial claims and have hit civilians the hardest.
The calamity in the Middle East is no exception. Whatever the excuses for incursions into neighbouring territories, the resulting humanitarian crisis cannot be excused.
An urgent halt to all fighting is a prerequisite for a settlement of the dispute.
Talks can only occur successfully if all sides are prepared to lay down their weapons.
Nothing can be achieved by a prolonged campaign of warfare.
