Here is the series of events as I understand it. Please help me if I get anything wrong, I'm trying to understand both sides of the conflict (not to pick a side that is "more right" than the other, but to make it possible to come to some sort of understanding on the situation and what can be done to solve it.
On the one hand we have a nation that is recognized by other nations, and on the other hand, a group that is not recognized as an national or international political party.
The nation (Israel) is ranked around 23rd in terms of global military powers in terms of sheer numbers. 1,230 aircraft, 530,000 active military personnel (6th in the world), and 9.5 billion dollar military budget (
source). The numbers and resources of the other group(s) are not known to me.
Israel makes life for Palestinians extremely hard, and have caused the destruction of homes, businesses, and families, and illegally occupy Palestinian terrirtory.
The group(s) and individuals, feeling they have no choice, retaliate by whatever means they are capable of and feel are necessary, which involves terrorist acts and hiding amongst the civilian population (truthfully, in an all-out armed conflict they would stand no chance). Their actions are in violation of international laws, which they are not considered bound by.
Israel in turn retaliates by whatever means they are capable of and feel are justified, which involves using their military supremacy to worsen the situation for the Palestinians, and step up their agressive activities, including those that are in violation of international law (which, as it has been pointed out, they are not bound by).
Hamas (internationally known as a terrorist organization) is publically elected as the Palestinian state's political party. This does not improve the situation. I am a bit fuzzy on the specifics of the outcome of Hamas taking political power.
Hizbullah and perhaps other groups seek shelter in neighboring nations sympathetic to their cause, either out in the open or hiding among the civilian population. They continue to carry out their guerilla tactics/acts or terrorism/violence against Israeli civilians and military personnel.
Israel flies fighters low over Lebanon to show that they are capable of striking anytime, anywhere. They launch missles and attacks that are responsible for the deaths of many Lebanese civilians, and an unknown number of terrorists. I am not aware of any official Lebanese military response.
That is where I believe we are now. Please correct and incongruities or errors in the timeline. My point is that there are multiple sides to this conflict, and none of them claim to be bound by the international laws that are intended to protect civilians. Both sides feel justified and they have no choice but to fight fire with fire. My own personal response is that neither side is justified, but it is a very difficult situation to try to talk about rationally, because emotions run so high when there is such a great loss of life and quality of life. There is a lot of fear and hate broiling and reciprocating on both ends; I personally think that this is one of the most important and difficult points to address when trying to formulate a valid solution to end the bloodshed.