Israeli army clash with Hezbollah

Clashes erupted after Israeli tanks and infantry crossed the border in search of Hezbollah weapons and facilities.

Lebanese PM Fouad Siniora says 300 people have been killed in the Israeli offensive. At least 55 civilians died in fresh air strikes on Wednesday.

Barrages of Hezbollah rockets have been fired into northern Israel, where two children were killed in Nazareth.

It was the first rocket attack on the largest predominantly Arab city in Israel and rocket-fire also targeted other cities including Haifa and Tiberias.

Twenty-nine Israelis have died - including 15 civilians killed by rocket attacks - since the Israeli offensive against Hezbollah militants began last Wednesday.

FOREIGNERS IN LEBANON

• Canada: 40,000
• Philippines: 30,000
• Australia: 25,000
• US: 25,000
• UK: 22,000 (inc. 10,000 with dual nationality)
• France: 20,000

Stranded in the war zone

Israel launched attacks on Lebanon after Hezbollah captured two Israeli soldiers in a cross-border raid.

Many thousands continue to flee Lebanon, and several countries have sent ships and helicopters to move their nationals.

Others sought refuge, and waited in fear.

"We are so afraid," a displaced Filipina said. "Please rescue us."

In other developments:

• Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora appealed for an end to hostilities and said Lebanon "has been torn to shreds"

• Relief agencies say there is a growing need for water, sanitation and medical facilities for more than 500,000 people displaced within Lebanon

• French President Jacques Chirac called for humanitarian corridors in Lebanon to protect civilians from Israeli air raids as they flee the fighting

• Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said the campaign against Hezbollah would continue "as long as necessary" to free its captured soldiers and ensure Hezbollah is not a threat.