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Evacuations From Lebanon Moving Ahead Full Steam; More Blistering Attacks in both Israel and Lebanon

Aired July 17, 2006 - 11:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: We're looking at a tape and pictures we're just getting into us here at CNN. The bottom part of your screen there, that's French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin. He has arrived in Beirut to meet with the Lebanese foreign minister; also, to meet with the prime minister, as well. The French trying to show a sign of solidarity with the Lebanese. Also trying to get about 1,200 of their foreign nationals out of the France -- out of Lebanon and into Cyprus and ultimately back home to France.
As this Middle East crisis is dragging on, let's take a look at that what we do know right now.

Evacuations from Lebanon moving ahead full steam this hour. British forces have arrived to help ferry people to safety. Amphibious warships are heading to the Eastern Mediterranean to help get Americans out of Lebanon. More U.S. Marines are getting ready to head to the region and the State Department has chartered a Greek flag ship to send in as an additional asset if needed.

Also today, more blistering attacks in both Israel and Lebanon. Hezbollah is believed to have fired a barrage of rockets at northern Israel, hitting targets in Haifa and several other areas.

In Lebanon, Israeli warplanes are still on the attack, unleashing more missile strikes. Among the targets, Beirut's port.

Our Paula Newton is with us now.

She is live from Jerusalem -- Paula, in the last hour, I understand the Israel prime minister, Ehud Olmert, addressed the Knesset.

Do you know what was said?

PAULA NEWTON, CNN CORRESPONDENT: We're actually waiting for that. It was delayed. We should get it in about a half an hour. But what we do know is that he is expected to address the Israeli people and try and lift morale, keeping in mind that now you have more than a million Israelis in bomb shelters, in safe rooms. And as you've been seeing from Haifa, it's been a busy day for incoming rockets.

In the meantime, diplomatic efforts continue. We're not exactly sure to what end. The Israeli government continues to reiterate to us that any kind of a cease-fire or any kind of a multinational force going into Lebanon is still way too premature and there are some set conditions they want to see before they even start talking to anyone. KAGAN: All right, Paula.

Thank you.

You mentioned diplomacy.

Let's go ahead and check in at the United Nations with our senior U.N. correspondent, Richard Roth, who is, I guess, waiting to hear what's happening behind closed doors with the latest meeting of the U.N. Security Council.

RICHARD ROTH, SENIOR UNITED NATIONS CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Daryn.

The Security Council still huddling. There may be a statement. They've never made an official reaction yet to the fighting that's going on there, for several days now, for a lot of political reasons, bottled it up in there. They're also watching and waiting for developments from that U.N. political Middle East team shuttling between capitals in the Middle East and talking with Lebanon this morning. The secretary general's special adviser, Vijay Nambiar, saying that some concrete steps may have been achieved. They could be early. He says give diplomacy some time.

Here at the Security Council, they've heard Secretary General Annan talk about the idea of a stabilization force for the area. Nothing detailed so far.

U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, John Bolton, commented on the potential pitfalls of such a force.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JOHN BOLTON, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO THE U.N.: Considering the possibility of such a force -- and I think as we consider that possibility, we'd have to think of several questions. Three broad areas come to mind.

First, would such a force be empowered to deal with the real problem? The real problem is Hezbollah.

Would such a force be empowered to disarm and demobilize Hezbollah armed components? Would it be empowered to deal with the countries like Syria and Iran that support Hezbollah? What exactly would be the extent of the mandate to deal with the military threat posed by Hezbollah?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROTH: The United Nations Security Council has some resolutions on the books that many say have not been enforced, including the disarming of militias in Southern Lebanon and throughout Lebanon. Those resolutions have been ignored to date, at least the full implementation of it -- Daryn.

KAGAN: It seems like a lot of talking, but not a lot of action. ROTH: Well, that's what they do here, they talk. They also don't like open microphones and they are a little bit more diplomatic about things on this end.

KAGAN: All right, well, you're making reference to the open microphones at the G8 with President Bush.

ROTH: That's correct. And they may have a comment later in the day on it, but I don't think it will be on the record.

KAGAN: All right.

We'll check back with you.

Richard, thank you.

We want to show you pictures we have, a cockpit video of an Israeli air strike in Gaza City. The target -- the Palestinian Authority's foreign ministry offices.

Our Matthew Chance is in Gaza City with the latest -- and, Matthew, important to focus on what's happening here since the latest round of conflict really does begin here, even before everything that we've watched happen in Southern Lebanon.

Hello.

MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: That's right, it does.

The past three weeks, in fact, there have been intensive Israeli raids in this, the Gaza Strip, following the capture, of course, after a military operation by the Hamas militant group into Israel from the Gaza Strip, the capture of a young Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit. And he's still being held. He's believed to be alive still somewhere in this very densely populated Gaza Strip.

There's a great deal of sentiment being expressed here in the Gaza Strip over the past several days as Israel conducts its intensive strikes in Southern Lebanon and, of course, as the Lebanese militia, Hezbollah, carries out its missile attacks in Northern Israel.

The Hezbollah may not have many friends in the international community, Daryn, but it's certainly winning the hearts of many Palestinians. Over the course of this day, thousands turned out in the streets of Gaza City to show their support for Hezbollah. Many were waving bright yellow Hezbollah flags and holding up pictures and posters of the group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

Part of the reason for this support is that many Palestinians see Hezbollah's firing its missiles into Israel as retribution for what's been happening to them over the past several weeks, and, indeed, over the past several years here in the Gaza Strip. They see Hezbollah as a group that is standing up for the Palestinian cause where other Arab states, for instance, in the eyes of many Palestinians, have failed to do so. And, as I say, particularly among the militant sympathizers in the Gaza Strip, that means the popularity of Hezbollah itself has itself been skyrocketing.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): We are one and our way is one and our enemy is one. And we here in Palestine stand in all firmness with our brothers there in the Islamic resistance and their leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CHANCE: But it's not just the satisfaction, though, of seeing these missiles, from the point of view of many Palestinians, land in Israel. It's also a hope this support is derived from, a hope amongst many Palestinians that the pressure that Hezbollah can place on the Israeli state, through its missile strikes, may encourage the Jewish state, Israel, to broker a deal that would see the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners that at the moment are being held in Israeli jails.

Many of the supporters that we see here in Gaza City are the family members of those Palestinians that are currently being held in those Israeli jails. And they want to see those prisoners released in exchange for the three Israeli soldiers that are being held captive; two of course in -- by Hezbollah.

The other one, as I say, here in the Gaza Strip. Many Palestinians see those soldiers as the best bargaining chips they've had with Israel for several years.

KAGAN: What about that original soldier who was taken there in Gaza? What's the word on him?

CHANCE: Well, the word is -- and there's no confirmed word on his status -- but everybody who we've spoken to from the Palestinian side -- also from the Israeli side, as well -- say they believe this young corporal is still very much alive. They don't know exactly where he's located. But they know he's somewhere in this, as I say, very densely populated Gaza Strip.

What the Israelis seem to be doing is trying to put as much pressure as they can on the militant group Hamas, which is, of course, heading the government of the Palestinian Authority at the moment, putting pressure on them to try and get them to give up this prisoner and to, of course, stop their homemade rocket strikes on southern Israel, which they have been undertaking for the past several years, indeed, several months.

In fact, six rockets were launched today, even now, by Hamas, into southern Israel. And they're very homemade, makeshift rockets. They're not causing a good deal of damage.

But in terms of the corporal, what the Israelis are trying to do is put sufficient pressure on Hamas to give him up, but not so much pressure on Hamas for them to decide that they are going to take his life, that they're going to kill him. That's not what they want to achieve, obviously. They want this soldier back.

KAGAN: Matthew Chance live from Gaza, thank you.

We will have the latest from across the Middle East.

That's coming up next.

Also, to Washington, D.C. and the stem cell showdown.

Those are pictures of Beirut.

Now to the stem cell showdown. A Senate vote could set the stage for possibly President Bush's first veto of his administration.

The story ahead on CNN, the most trusted name in news.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: And as we come up on the quarter hour, let's check what's happening right now in the Mideast crisis.

News this hour from the Pentagon. Amphibious warships are heading to the Eastern Mediterranean to help get Americans out of Lebanon. More Marines are getting ready to head to the region. And the State Department has chartered a Greek flag ship to send as an additional asset if needed.

In the northern Israeli city of Haifa, several suspected Hezbollah rockets have hit over the last few hours. A correspondent on the scene there reports that a rocket struck a residential building.

Israel continues its attacks on Hezbollah. Israeli bombs targeting a port in Beirut, an army barracks and areas in Beirut's southern suburbs were also hit.

Now, if you have family members in Lebanon that you want to register with the State Department, just go to the Web site lebanon.usembassy.gov. Or you can call 961-4-544-037. For Americans living in Lebanon who need help getting out, call 01-202-501-444. Or, if you're in the U.S. and have loved ones in Lebanon, you can call 1- 888-407-4747.

A debate over medicine and morality. The Senate is nearing a vote on a bill that would expand federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.

But the president may have the final word.

CNN's Dana Bash has the story.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

DANA BASH, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): In stem cell labs like this at Johns Hopkins University, scientists hope to find cures for diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

Dr. John Gearhardt says progress is stymied by limits enacted by President Bush on embryonic stem cell research using federal funds.

DR. JOHN GEARHARDT, JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY: The best scientists, our young scientists, cannot really get into this game unless you have some sort of private money. And private money only goes so far.

BASH: The Senate is poised to help researchers like Gearhardt by passing legislation lifting those restrictions, setting the stage for a dramatic political moment -- the president's first veto ever on an issue the majority of the American people, even some fellow Republicans, disagree with Mr. Bush.

REP. MIKE CASTLE (R), DELAWARE: I don't know how you can really turn your back on research that could potentially help one out of three Americans who have some sort of affliction out there, particularly when you're using nothing but excess embryos.

BASH: It is an intensely emotional and politically dicey debate, especially wrenching for self-described pro-life Republicans.

Majority Leader Bill Frist says science is paramount.

SEN. BILL FRIST (R-TN), SENATE MAJORITY LEADER: To limit cell lines available for federal research, those original limits, given what has happened in science today and what we have learned, is too restrictive.

BASH: Others call embryonic stem cell research immoral, period.

SEN. SAM BROWNBACK (R), KANSAS: I'm opposed to expanding these lines. You are going to expand now the number of young human beings that you will kill for research purposes.

BASH: Opponents argue less controversial adult stem cell and umbilical cord research hold more promise to cure disease, an open debate among scientists. But in terms of politics, to Democrats, a presidential veto on a popular issue four months before election day is a gift they intend to exploit.

And Republicans are worried. So along with the bill they know Mr. Bush will veto, they plan to pass two stem cell measures he signed.

(on camera): Critics call that bill the president will likely sign unnecessary, political cover for GOP lawmakers concerned about the election year ramifications of a veto. But as much as Democrats hope to take advantage of this issue, the politics of stem cell research are as complicated and untested as the science.

Dana Bash, CNN, Capitol Hill.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

KAGAN: Hitting history -- religious shrines caught in the crossfire in the Middle East.

That story is ahead on CNN, the most trusted name in news.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: A really frustrating time for folks who are here in the U.S. trying to get in touch with loved ones who are stuck in Lebanon.

Tony Harris has more on that -- Tony.

TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: And, Daryn, of course the big story is the continuation of the fighting between Hezbollah and Israel. And I'm going to do the best that I can to try to bring together some of the stories of the people impacted, the people literally caught in the crossfire of all of this.

Cnn.com is asking its readers affected by the fighting ongoing in the Middle East right now to send in their personal stories.

I'm going to share a couple of them with you while we have a moment.

This is from Rana from Tulsa, Oklahoma, who writes: "I was in Lebanon two weeks ago visiting my family along with my kids. I returned the end of June. But both of my boys are still there and were scheduled to return with their grandparents the 24th of July. They are six and nine years of age. I am worried sick and praying for their safe return. No word from the embassy yet on the date for evacuation. They are in Beirut currently and are acting braver than I ever was growing up in the war in Lebanon."

And this is from Nir in Haifa, Israel: "I live in Haifa, the north seaport of Israel. Today, I lost a good friend who was killed by the rocket that hit the city today at 9:00 a.m. The sirens went off and all of us, scared, went to find shelter. Then we heard the noise of the rocket hitting its target. Not knowing the location and the outcome, I tried to call my friend, who works in the Israeli Railway Workshop, with no answer.

At that moment, I felt that something happened to him. I tried a few more times to contact him and his family. I felt anxious and did not know what to do. Then I got the call from another friend of ours. His voice was crying. Our friend was killed today, among the eight people killed in Haifa. And that was yesterday."

And this from Jean from Farmingdale, New York, who writes: "My daughter was studying at the Lebanese-American University in Beirut and is a student at Boston College. The students have escaped with the clothes on their back. She called today in total desperation. Her plea and that of all the students in her group was, 'Please, mommy, don't let us die here. Everyone is now terrified and desperate. This Christian area of safety is under attack. When are we going to be evacuated?'"

And that is the plea that we're hearing from so many in the e- mails online. And just a moment ago, Daryn, you listed some information for folks who are trapped in the middle of this fighting. Let's go back over that again.

For Americans living in Lebanon who need help getting out, here's the number -- 01-202-501-4444. And if you have loved ones in Lebanon, you can call this number -- 1-888-407-4747 in the United States.

And I will add, Daryn, that I called that latter number, the 188 number, oh, at the top of the hour. It took me about 25 minutes to reach a voice on the line who could offer some help. So if you're going to call either of those numbers, just bring a lot of patience. As you can imagine, these lines are probably flooded with folks who are in need of some kind of information and, in many cases, just a friendly voice to talk to.

So bring your patience along as you call those numbers looking for help.

And we are going to continue to try to chronicle these stories throughout the day -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Got it.

Tony, thank you.

HARRIS: Sure thing.

KAGAN: So, that's the people angle.

What about the religious sites that are caught in the crossfire of all this fighting in the Middle East?

Our Delia Gallagher has that part of the story.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

DELIA GALLAGHER, CNN FAITH AND VALUES CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's almost impossible to bomb a town in the Middle East without hitting a piece of history. Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq -- full of ruins and shrines -- provide a foundation for many of the world's major religions.

Biblus, the Mediterranean sea town where Israeli ships are now blockading Lebanon, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Just 22 miles from Beirut, the city dates back to 7000 B.C. The word bible comes from Biblus. The Papyrus on which the Bible was written is believed to have entered through this port, now under siege.

JON ALTERMAN, DIRECTOR, MIDDLE EAST PROGRAMS, CSIS: The number of religions and religious movements that have started not only in Lebanon and Israel, but even in places like Syria, that may soon come under conflict, there are people all over the world who look here for their spiritual inspiration and now they see bombs and bullets flying both ways. GALLAGHER: The Israeli City of Haifa, where two missiles landed Thursday, is the worldwide headquarters of the Bahai faith, founded in Persia in the 19th century. Mount Carmel, high above Haifa, is the site of the Jewish Prophet Elijah's cave. Mount Carmel is also home to the Carmelites, a Roman Catholic monastic order of the 12th century that is still there today.

Also hit by bombs was Zefad or Safed, in Upper Galilee, the ancient home of Kabbalah, a mystical form of Judaism begun-in the 16th century. The Book of Genesis traces Noah's son and grandson to this area. Safed made headlines in modern times when Madonna, the pop singer, not the religious figure, visited in 2004.

In the middle of the fighting in Southern Lebanon is the Town of Canna, the place where Jesus was said to have turned water into wine.

ALTERMAN: One of the things we see in other conflicts is that when something does get hit, people all over the world feel a personal connection. They see the images but there's also a spiritual connection. So in the event that something goes horribly wrong and one of these religious sites does get hit, we can imagine the resonance of that is going to be much, much more than merely gunfire back and forth.

GALLAGHER: Delia Gallagher, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

KAGAN: I'm Daryn Kagan.

Keep watching CNN.

YOUR WORLD TODAY is up next, with news happening across the globe and here at home.

In fact, I'll be back in about 20 minutes with headlines from here in the U.S.

See you then.

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