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Qatar Airways on Monday (September 4, 2006) defied an Israeli-imposed air blockade on Lebanon by chartering a direct service to Beirut, in spite of Israel's demand that all such flights pass through Amman, Jordan for security reasons. The first Qatar Airways plane landed at approximately 1230 GMT at Beirut's international airport. "We have always loved Lebanese people and we want to live with them. Everything was normal [on the flight]," said one passenger after arriving in Beirut. Israel has kept an air and sea embargo on Lebanon since its 34-day war with Hizbollah ended on August 14. The Israelis say the blockade is aimed at preventing the group rearming. Last month, it allowed Lebanon's Middle East Airlines and Royal Jordanian to fly to Beirut on condition that their flights passed through Amman. Qatar also became the first Arab country on Monday to commit troops to the expanded U.N. force set up to keep peace between Israel and Hizbollah in Lebanon. The Gulf state said it would contribute 200-300 troops to the U.N. force, known as UNIFIL II, to deploy in the south. Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad al-Thani did not say when the troops would go to Lebanon. "The government of Qatar has decided to contribute to the UNIFIL forces by sending 200 to 300 troops. It is therefore clear that we would like to tell the world that there will be an Arabic presence albeit a small one. We would also like to tell Israel that we believe in this resolution (1701), which is why we have contributed to its implementation in a practical manner. What is important is that UNIFIL's mandate be specific and known, according to what we explained in my speech at the UN, and and according to the Secretary General's speech," Sheikh Hamad told reporters during a visit to Doha by U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Qatar, a political maverick in the conservative Gulf Arab region, maintains low-level ties with Israel. It is also a key U.S. ally and hosts a major U.S. military base. Speaking to reporters in Doha, Annan said the United Nations hoped the expanded force, UNIFIL II, would be a "manifestation of international solidarity" with Lebanon. "Last night I also had the opportunity to meet with the Emir and Sheikh Hamad to discuss the situations in the region, and the purpose of my visit. I think that most of you are aware that I am here to firm up support for resolution 1701and its effective implementation," Annan said. He also urged Israel to lift its siege of the country, saying it was unsustainable. Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz arrived in Beirut on Monday (August 4) and was met by his Lebanese counterpart Fouad Siniora. After his arrival, Aziz inspected damage inflicted on Beirut's southern suburb during the fighting. "We want the removal of the blockade, we want the U.N. resolutions to be implemented and we want peace to return to the people here. They deserve a life, they deserve a future, they deserve to live in peace and tranquility and Pakistan supports all of their efforts," said Aziz after he toured the southern suburb with the Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fawzi Salloukh. The southern suburb of the Lebanese capital was targeted by Israel for being a Hizbollah stronghold. Israel said it was hitting Hizbollah headquarters and military offices in the southern suburb, but many civilian targets were also hit. Since the U.N.-brokered ceasefire began on August 14, scores of people have returned to the sites of their demolished homes. Aziz also held talks with Lebanese President Emile Lahoud and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. Pakistan has still to announce whether it will send troops to take part in the U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon. Italian soldiers will make up the largest single contingent of the U.N. force. The main body of troops should arrive by the start of November and are expected to remain until the end of 2007. Around 1,200 Lebanese and 157 Israelis were killed in the recent fighting and Israel's attacks caused widespread damage in southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut. An Italian military delegation met Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora on Monday to discuss Italy's contribution. The U.N. Security Council resolution that led to the truce called for 15,000 U.N. soldiers to join a similar sized Lebanese force.