Israel has intensified its attacks on Lebanon as warplanes launched fresh strikes on Beirut’s airport, communication networks, Lebanese roads and a power plant. More than sixty Lebanese civilians have been killed in the offensive which follows the capture of two Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah. Israeli jets bombed the main highway linking Beirut to Damascus, tightening an air, sea and land blockade of Lebanon.

• Lebanese Minister of Information Ghazi Al-Aridi: “[Lebanon] calls on U.N. Security Council to take an immediate decision to stop the firing and lift the blockade and urges the council to put an end to Israeli aggression which is killing peaceful civilians and destroy the vital and economic infrastructures.”