1,600 victims in Lebanon in 15 days

BEIRUT, July 27.—More than 400 dead and 1,200 injured – in their majority civilians – is the result of 15 days of Israeli air and artillery attacks on the south and east of Lebanon, according to official estimates, PL reports.

The operation launched by the Tel Aviv army on alleged Hizbollah (Party of God) positions has also caused the displacement of 750,000 people, the evacuation of foreign residents and the hasty exit of tourists.

Today the higher commands are discussing the possibility of launching a large-scale attack on this state, from whose territory they officially withdrew in May 2000.

To this end the Israeli security cabinet has organized a huge mobilization, calling up 30,000 reservists for its military escalation against the Lebanon.

Military chiefs, headed by General Dan Halutz, are attempting to deploy these forces in the front line for at least two months, with the mission of annihilating any points of resistance in the area between the border and the River Litani.

RAMALLAH, July 27.—Israeli artillery helicopters today bombarded the Sayayie district of Gaza minutes before an infantry troop penetration protected by armored tanks, the authorized Palestinian media reported.

Sporadic confrontations between the invading troops and militia forces broke out immediately, resulting in the death of four Arabs and an indeterminate number injured, mainly civilians caught in the fire of Israeli tanks.