Iraqi Shi'ite cleric demands cease-fire in Lebanon

Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric on Sunday demanded an immediate cease-fire in Lebanon, warning that the Muslim world would "not forgive" nations that stand in the way of a stop to the fighting. Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani issued the call following the IAF airstrike that killed at least 60 Lebanese, mostly women and children, in the village of Qana. "Islamic nations will not forgive the entities that hinder a cease-fire," al-Sistani said, in a clear reference to the United States. "It is not possible to stand helpless in front of this Israeli aggression on Lebanon," he added. "If an immediate cease-fire in this Israeli aggression is not imposed, dire consequences will befall the region."