Shakira Calls for End to Hostilities in Middle East  7/24/06

Colombian singing sensation Shakira has called for an immediate cease fire to end the current crisis in the Middle East.

The 29-year-old part-Lebanese star called for diplomatic intervention to prevent further bloodshed in the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah fighters based in Lebanon.

The Grammy-winning star says, "War is not the answer. War is not the solution to any conflict - not today, not in this century.

"I am sad, like the rest of the world is, to know that because of this conflict so many innocent mothers and children are dying.

"We want something better for the kids of the world. We don't need leaders that create more divisions and resentment and more hatred. We need leaders that care about the people."