Foreword
The latest chapter in the bloody history of the Middle Eastunfolded this July, as conflict once again erupted between Israel, thePalestinian Hamas organization, and Lebanese Shiite Hizbollah forces. When aceasefire finally took effect a month later, more than 1,000 people had died —mostly civilians — and more than a million in the region were forced to fleetheir homes for extended periods. The crisisbegan on June 25, when Hamas militants crossed into Israeli territory andattacked Israeli forces, killing two soldiers, wounding four, and capturingone. Israelresponded by launching a massive operation in the Gaza Strip, destroying Hamasoffices and arresting elected Hamas…
