Dear Mr. -----------,

	I am, like many people, worried about the developing crisis in Lebanon. Whilst I appreciate that this is a particularly complex political situation, I am extremely concerned about the actions of Israel and their effects on civilian life.

I encourage you to glance through recent reports, especially via the BBC website, for a graphic account of the conflict. As I write this letter, further devastating attacks are being reported in the city of Tyre. Only yesterday, members of a UN-led international observer station were killed after coming under IDF fire for over six hours. I need not further underline the severity of what is currently taking place, and the lack of satisfactory action to bring it to an end.

There is little one can do as an individual to prevent the tragic consequences of this war. However as a nation we can exert considerable influence. This is precisely why I am furious to see that once again we have put political meddling before the value of human life. In this country’s lacklustre attempts to bring about a ceasefire, we are failing the people involved, and responsible for the casualties that occur.

Whatever one’s views on the politics of the situation, how can it ever be acceptable to allow this to continue? You may well feel that the groups involved do need to be dealt with, but how can this present and grossly destructive approach ever be appropriate?

I would hope that with your history of interest in the peace process, and with the recent lessons that this government has surely learnt, you will be pressing for stronger and more immediate involvement. I would therefore be interested in hearing about what part you intend to play in this as a matter of urgency.

Yours sincerely,

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