Speaking in Beirut, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan had criticism for both Israel and Hizbullah concerning how the cease-fire resolution was being adhered to… or not. Annan called on Israel to end its air and sea blockade and Hizbullah to immediately release the two Israeli soldiers it snatched on July 12, triggering 34 days of devastating hostilities. Annan received an icy welcome from residents of Beirut’s Dahiyeh neighborhood when he tried to tour the wreckage from Israeli air strikes. Accompanied by Prime Minister Fuad Siniora, Annan was forced to retreat into his car when the crowd turned nasty after only a short walk through the neighborhood. Israel insists it will keep its blockade in place until international peacekeepers take up positions along the border with Syria in order to prevent the smuggling of arms. Syria has said such an act will be deemed to be "hostile." It is believed that Germany is negotiating a prisoner-swap between Israel and Hizbullah that will result in the release of the two Israeli soldiers.