Setrakian make a point well taken. This is a humanitarian issue that rises above politics. If the hospitals run out of energy, the humanitarian situation will become very grave indeed.

I hope people pay attention to this issue. It would be inhumane to let the hospital go without power.

It is crucial that the American public read and hear stories like this on the national news programs. There is a humantarian crisis exploding in the middle east and help is urgently needed. Are we as a people ever going to learn from the mistakes

we need to get them fuel for the generators. what an important article

this should be on air!

This is ridiculous---with hospitals in the south evacuated or badly in need of supplies and personnel, the AUB hospital is the only thing the country has left.

We really must push our government to halt the war against Lebanese civilians--or Hezbollah will be stronger than ever and Lebanon will dissolve into another guerilla battlefield.

Blockades are one of the most savage and cruel weapons of war. Thanks for sharing an issue that is often forgotten.

Lara, this is yet another heart wrenching story but most neccessary never the less. I love the way you make it clear that it is not about taking sides merely very important information.
Well done!
Houri

I'd love to hear more about this situation. Please continue to update!

A very timely and important article that demonstrates how American-based programs in Lebanon are being affected harshly by the harsh and disproportionate Israeli blockade.

To let a hospital shut down would be a humanitarian disaster and would create even more hatred toward the Israelis in the battered country. Imagine another baby dying because the power went out and the incubator shut down. Imagine the lights going out at the most important moment as an innocent person receives an organ transplant.

I believe this story should receive more widespread coverage in the American media to show how areas outside of the southern parts of Lebanon are also being "hit" by this war. Sometimes you don't need a bomb to cause damage to innocent civilians. All it takes is letting "the lights go out".

Hello,

I think this story is very important and would like to see it get more coverage.

Thank you.

We need to bring this to congress. We can't let something like this occur to thousands of innocent people. Beg to help!

This is one of the most important stories to come out of these weeks of fighting.

As I've watched the coverage of the situation in Lebanon, I've been wondering how the hospitals and other healthcare facilities have been dealing with injured. Thank you ABC for this informative article.

Are we going to let more innocent people die??? How many need to die for the violence to stop??? Enough is enough... Let this hospital get its gas that so deperately needs!!!

This is a big problem and truly is a story that needs the medias attention.

The AUB is Lebanon's most progressive, professional institution. It's Hospital is it's icon. Please don't let its light fade! It is paramount for all people of the "civilized" world to make sure this institution be saved at whatever price. We all are doing our best to raise money for the AUB's hospital.

This is a crucial issue that needs immediate media coverage. This is a big price that the innocent people will pay and it would be inhumane if we as a society sit back and let this happen. As the Reverend Michael L Randle states, “The greatest sin is hatred. The greatest fear is death. The greatest hope is for peace and freedom, and that is the greatest fight.” Thank you ABC for bringing this vital issue to our attention and I pray that this will receive the widespread attention that it deserves.

What is the purpose of letting inocent people die in a hospital. The gas needs to get through. Nothing is gained by this.

I'm so glad stories like these are finally getting the attention they deserve -- keep it up ABC!

This is a terrible situation and I hope that somebody able to do so will do the right thing and help human beings in need.

With the horrendous news coming from the South, we tend to forget that hospitals like AUH provide essential services to those in need during times of crises. AUH has seen and done so much for the Lebanese people in the past. Airing this piece may help raise the awareness of US officials about the gravity of the situation. Get the fuel to AUH!
Nayla

Is it permissble under international law to block supplies of fuel to a hospital? Is this the response of what is called the "civilized" world? What happened to humanity and goodwill? Is this America's message to the world? I call upon Senator Chuck Hagel to intervene to help AUH. Thank you ABC for sharing with us this horrible story.

When will the world realize that human life is equal everywhere? Superpowers seem to find no problem in letting the crisis go on for weeks....Are the "civilians" of Lebanon any less human than the civilians of the superpower nations?

This is such a sad example of what humans do to each other even as they claim to be fighting an "ethical" and just war... The great majority of people who need this medical help are innocent victims. I hope that their plight will be brought to the attention of the world. The AUH is the best hospital there is in this entire region. If we cannot stop the insanity, at least we should ensure that hospitals can carry on their humanitarian work.

The story of the tragedy of Lebanon has to be repeated as often as possible in order to make people put pressure on our government and on world governments to force Israel to stop this senseless attach.

When will this story be on the air?

I do not know how long it is going to take for all to recognize the impact of the war. Mostly lebanese children and women have been suffering. Help is needed now. There is "no wait for a solution first", when the tragedy is mushroomimg by the seconds.Stop the hostilities on both sides now.

This situation is intolerable and no excuse can justify what depriving hospitals of fuel to keep functioning.

During the entire Lebanese civil war of 15 years, which featured dozens of militias, armies and other national, regional and international players, the American University Hospital was NEVER this close to the abyss ! Everyone understood that this was a lifeline for the entire country. It is absolutely crucial for this story to air now, so that no one is given the opportunity to later say "I didn't know".

My heart is broken over the tragedy AUB hospital is fcing. Forty two years ago I was a patient at the AUB Hospital. The treatment saved my life and enhanced it ever since. I had hepetitus and was two weks in hospital. May God's blessing go with you
Sa'aalam aleikum, Rev. Robeert Lers

The American University of Beirut Medical Center that assists all kinds of people without any discrimination is in desperate need for our assistance during this time of crisis. This would be a great shame for humanity if we let it down. Please Help!!!

I hope such a story gets aired on ABC to reach more people and explain the dire humanitarian situation that Lebanon is going through. This aspect is not getting enough attention. Even if the US is not pushing for immediate cease fire, maybe it can at least pressure Israel to allow the passage of humanitarian aid. of course the practice of such tactic is not new, Israel applies it in Ghaza and the West Bank whenever it suits it.

The American University of Beirut (AUB) and its hospital are a shining beacon and the best example of of U.S.-Lebanese friendship and cooperation nurtured for a century and a half. While the hospital and its doctors aim to save lives regardless of politics, the insensitivity of current U.S. policy in the conflict is destroying what thousands of American and Lebanese citizens have built for so long. How so wrong and tragic to sacrifice not only lives but bridges of friendships that have endured for centuries.

The American University of Beirut and its hospital have arguably been the United States' most successful endeavor in the Arab world and a shining light in a cloud of failed policies. It's educational and humanitarian mission has guided generations of Lebanese and Arabs. It would be a great shame for it to get caught in the current war. The US has the power to make sure it doesn't.

This is something everyone should know about, so we can do something about it. No matter what "side" one is on, we can all agree that humanitarian aid to Lebanon must get through. Preventable catastrophes should be prevented!

Powerful Story, yet sadly will fall on deaf ears, & since Lebanese civilians seem to be expendable, according to the US congress & senate, I'm afraid the story will have little impact. Shame on our government bent on saving unborn & stem cells, yet treating arab civilians as trash.

It is time for the warring factions to stop using innocent civilians as pawns in their fruitless fighting. Sooner or later this war will end. The question is how many innocent people are going to die in the meantime.

It is outrageous that this is even an issue. The situation in Lebanon is bad enough as it is without adding to this contry's ordeals. Bravo ABC for having the courage to bring this matter to the forefront. In the name of humanity please educate your audience to what is really happening.

This is inhumane and unjust...its children that need aid the most..let the oil through

Thank you Lara & ABC for bringing this story to light. More than ever, the US needs to act NOW and stop the present killing and human suffering! It's in our National interest to seriously engage in the Middle East conflict and work with the International community to bring about a sustainable & lasting peace in the region.

Thank you for bringing attention to the magnitude of the Israeli destruction of Lebanon. The AUB is not a stronghold of Hezbollah, yet Israel's blockade of Lebanon is treating it as such. Unfortunately, this is happening in other areas of the country as well. We, the United States of America, need to ensure the safety and health of the Lebanese population, most of whom are not Hezbollah fighters.

Israeli want to cause the maximum damage to lebanon not to Hizballah

I always thought prominent institutions like the AUH would have their own "unofficial" channels of maintaining their supplies in medicine and in fuel in times of war.

Their appeal for help reveals a really critical situtation, indicative of much worse conditions less visible medical centers and relief NGOs are going through.

This inhumane blockade has to stop!!!

This story deserves EXTENSIVE coverage, on various networks and outlets, and the administration would do well to persuade Israel to make this exception to the blockade.

I've worked at the American University Hospital for several years. It is one of the biggest and busiest hospitals in Lebanon, treating patients from all over the country. Thousands of people will suffer, and many will die if this tragedy is allowed to happen.

Another big example of failure on the Bush administration, to care for its own people and their welfare. The LARGEST American educational institution outside of the U.S., IS being hog tied by Israeli policy, and we can't do a thing, or don't the u.s.want to do anything!!!

This is the kind of humanitarian issue that the world needs to know about, so that aid can reach those who desperately need it. Please publicize this story.

Please give this story wide coverage. The people of Lebanon are suffering in so many ways. It's a moral imperative to insure that this hospital continues to function.

ABC NEWS: Please tell the world about this. If it isn't worth a couple of cameras, than I don't know what is. Americans need to be more concerned with their role in this world and this very conflict. It's much more important than Mel Gibson!

The AUB Hospital boldly helps all who enter its doors. Its closing would be another flame of hope snuffed out in a suffering nation. There is no logic for blocking its fuel supply. Please put this story on the air.

Please give air time to this important story of humanitarian crisis. Innocent civilians are suffering and we can prevent it simply by covering the story and providing monitoring for fuel delivery to American University Hospital.

should definitly cover this story!!

Lara, you have done a great job touching upon an issue which could have easily slipped through the cracks and I am glad that you didn't let it.
I am glad you have brought this up and that it's reaching so many of us.

This is a humanitarian issue not a political one. I really hope that this story gets the attention it deserves so that the many victims in Lebanon will get the help that they deserve.

As an American nurse with the good fortune to have visited the AUB Medical Center, I hope that this story is widely covered - the courage and commitment of nurses and other health care workers in times of crisis and tragedy are some of the brightest moments in our lives. I hope that international pressure will keep their doors open, and help humanitarian relief efforts reach the people who need it.

Can't believe this story hasn't been reported on the air yet?! It's DEFINITELY news worthy.

Instead of continuously covering what Rice and Bush are falling short of accomplishing, a cease fire, this is what your news should be covering the real effect on the ground of the crisis. I hope that you find as important to cover as much as we do.

This is unacceptable... Until when will innocent people pay for the madness of others?!?

Is there any doubt that such information is newsworthy and should be published? Do not let an ugly history erpoeat itself. First they came for...

Please air this story. It is cruel not to allow the hospital to stay open!

What an important issue that should not be ignored. Hope ABC will air this article.

My cousin is currently a medical student at the AUB. He has been going to the hospital daily to help out with whatever he can. If you can, please help me help him. SPREAD THE WORD. Apathy is not a wise choice in this war.

This story needs to be told ... it is imperative that the information regarding dwindling fuel supplies, as well as medication supplies gets out.

With the crises in the middle east getting worse, this story must be aired. It will save lives!

No question, AUB is a beacon of hope, and it is nothing but wrong to risk their ability to continue helping the people of Lebanon.

Shame on you if you do not report on this!

This story deserves EXTENSIVE coverage, on various networks and outlets, and the administration would do well to persuade Israel to make this exception to the blockade.

Please, please cover this important humanitarian issue!

This is horrible. Innocent civilians should not be made to suffer like this. What do hospital patients in Beirut have to do with the militia??? This is ludicrous and someone must declare it to the world.

please report on this story -- if more people know about this impending disaster perhaps lives will be saved.

Which topic could be more important than this one?

AUBMC needs to stay alive as long as the conflict is going on. AUBMC continued its great work throughout the Civil War and needs all the help to keep delivering the services to the civilians in dire need.

What does this prove to the world? Who is the terrorist in this? Who are the criminals in this?

Stop the "CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY".
Make this story public. Let the world know! AUH should not stop functioning.

The people of Lebanon are now in dispair. No fuel or electricity and the power running out slowly. Several people in hospitals and shelters are suffering. I ask what does a child with cancer have to pay the consequences for a militant group. Medical and humanitarian aid is needed as lives are put at risk. No electricity means no more life support, no more medical machines, no more ER, no more hospital communication and no more health system in Lebanon's biggest hospital. Where is the support? We stood strong and pround last year in the name of democracy. Today we are paying the price for standing up...where is the justice, where is the civilized west and what defines a terrorist?

This issue is crucial! Can Israel for once put their act where their mouth is and actually demonstrate that they care about avoiding civilian casualties?

there is not even a question about whether to run the story.

i can't believe i have to write this post to keep auh running.

Will the hospital's frozen embryos impact their situation at all? President Bush said not one red federal penny would be used to destroy frozen embryos. Now who just approved a rush shipment of bombs?

Please let the story air so that the reality of what this means in humanitarian terms can be seen!

One of the reasons the Arabs of Lebanon are the friendliest to the Americans is the presence of AUB and its Hospital in Beirut. Incapacitating either one is turning that friendliness into hatred. Is that what Israel is trying to do? Turning the Lebanese against the U.S.?
This story definitely needs to be aired.

I am disappointed to find no coverage by western media on the suffocation posed by the current embargo by Israel. The whole world needs candid coverage of this. The people of Lebanon have suffered enough; to the international world press – it is your responsibility to enlighten the world on this issue (amongst all others) in order to pre-empt that which is wholly unnecessary.

Israel is totally wrong for cutting the electricy grid for hospitals and other public safety areas and bombing the areas that where deemed safe. It seems to me that no matter what Israel says it's hard to believe what they say is true. They are hitting "soft" targets and then turn around and say they are sorry. Sorry is cheap - words are cheap. This is not coming from the heart of a nation that really cares. I just hope that AUB will be able to gain support from any group to help the wounded,ill and others that need medical help. Because as long as the politians are doing nothing but talking and beefing up their military assets the situation is going to get worst before it gets better. Somebody needs to do something to get the help that is needed, this area the UN blue hats and red crescent or the Red Cross or all could work together help save more human lives, which is worth a lot more than an individual(s) governments that are doing nothing but killing and maiming inocent people.

Nice detective work by Setrakian as I have not seen this story elsewhere

I can't believe basic human rights- humanitarian aid- is denied- If AUB is not recognized and looked after?? this world is seeing the end
By the way…. what is the meaning of "Pursuit of happiness"??

Thanks MS. Setrakian for reporting - if there ar normal ears to hear you.

I am very grateful for the training I received (I completed the 2nd year of Med School at AUB in 1981-82)at AUB. I am totally in favor of raising public awarenesss of the extreme need at this crucial moment in history. I am currently a student health physician (Family Practice) at Purdue University. Many, many blessings on you all!

I hope the light doesn't go off. For if even one life is lost for this stupid reason, it will haunt all those who could have saved them by their best efforts.

This story is more important that the stupid story about MeL Gibson. Who cares what he said after a bottle of wine. Report about the people dying by American-made bombs.

ABC NEWS: tell the world the truth and stop being afraid of internal politics! innocent people are going to die because media structures like yourselves don't intervene.
Show the world that ABC NEWS makes the difference....

Please show this story!!

ABC NEWS: tell the world the truth and stop being afraid of internal politics! innocent people are going to die because media structures like yourselves don't intervene.
Show the world that ABC NEWS makes the difference....