Israeli and Hizbollah fighters exchange fierce fire

Israeli bombing of Beirut is continuing although the wider ground offensive has been put on hold. Hizbollah targets have again been hit and air strikes in Tyre have also destroyed one of the group’s charities in the southern city. It comes as diplomatic efforts continue to end the crisis. After meeting Germany’s Foreign Minister, the Israeli leader, Ehud Olmert, said the larger ground offensive would be held back to allow talks to succeed in resolving the crisis. But Israel has made it clear that it will go ahead with its military plans if the negotiations fail. At the UN, diplomats are attempting to reword the draft calling for a ceasefire, to take in Lebanese and Arab League demands for an immediate Israeli withdrawal.

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