An Israeli official tells Sky’s US partner network NBC News that small forces operations have been launched into southern Lebanon. Hezbollah has given a statement saying it is “ready” for a ground invasion.
Key points
What next for the Middle East? We held a live Q&A – scroll down to read
Next phase of war to begin soon, says Israeli defence minister
Israeli forces ‘conducting probing operations inside Lebanon ahead of planned ground assault’
Hezbollah warns Israel ‘we are ready’ for ground invasion
‘Israel strikes central Beirut for first time’ – three Palestinian militant leaders reportedly killed
Deborah Haynes:Growing expectations of cross-border offensive
Alex Crawford:’This is a literal massacre’ – civil defence mobilised after Israeli strike
Live reporting by Brad Young
Conflict explained
Israel is bombing Lebanon, claiming it is targeting areas used by Iran-backed Hezbollah militants after killing their leader, Hassan Nasrallah
Hezbollah and Israel have traded fire across the border since the 7 October Hamas attacks, but Israeli attacks have escalated in recent days
Who is assassinated Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah?
Who and how powerful are Hezbollah?
Hezbollah fires ‘ballistic missile’ at Israel
Hezbollah has attacked Israel using a ballistic missile, Reuters reports.
In a statement, Hezbollah said it had fired a “Nour missile”, which sources familiar with the group said was a ballistic missile.
Hezbollah said it was the first time they have used the missile.
Next phase of war will begin soon, says Israeli defence minister
Israel’s defence minister Yoav Gallant has said “the next stage in the war against Hezbollah will begin soon”.
His remarks came in a meeting of local council heads in northern Israel, according to a statement from his office.
The defence minister said the next phase would contribute to achieving the war aim of returning residents evacuated from northern Israel to their homes.
It came as US President Joe Biden called for a ceasefire “now”.
Asked if he was comfortable with Israel’s reported plan for a limited ground invasion of Lebanon, Mr Biden replied: “I’m comfortable with them stopping.”
Footage shows Israeli tanks lining up just 10km from the border.
‘We are still in 7 October’: Families of British hostages plea for help
The families of British citizens held hostage in Gaza are holding a news conference in London.
Steve Brisley is the first to speak, after his sister and two nieces were killed on 7 October by Hamas, while his sister’s husband – and his brother – were taken hostage.
He says that as far as he knows, his brother-in-law is still alive in captivity.
“I am tired. So, so tired,” he says, adding it feels like the “horrors” have been forgotten by the public.
“The news cycle moves on and public shock dissipates. It seems impossible to me that they have forgotten the cold-blooded brutal murders of a dental nurse and her two teenage daughters, all three of whom were British citizens.”
Ayelet Svatitzky speaks next, explaining one of her brothers was killed on 7 October, while her mother and another brother were taken hostage.
Her mother was released after 49 days, while her brother remained in captivity until it was confirmed in June he had died after five months.
“A month ago, I stood in front of my brothers’ graves, one next to the other, and I said my final goodbye.”
She says: “I’m here pleading for everyone not to forget what had happened to us on October 7th. Not to forget 101 hostages still in Gaza. Not to forget the horrors and the torture that they are going through.”
Sharone Lifshitz tells reporters both her parents were taken hostage. Her mother has returned home, but they do not know if her 84-year-old father is alive.
“We are still in the 7th of October. We are fighting for the lives of our loved ones that are there.”
