BOMBS continued to rain down in south Beirut today as an imminent temporary ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah was reported.
Israel’s security cabinet was meeting to discuss the 60-day US-France brokered deal as the Morning Star went to print as hopes for a halt to the bloodshed were raised.
Israel was expected to make a statement later in the evening.
Lebanese officials said that Hezbollah also supported the deal which would require the group to end its armed presence in southern Lebanon while Israeli troops would return to their side of the border.
But Israel continued its campaign into the evening, with one strike landing near Lebanon’s only airport which has continued to function in the two-month offensive.
Large numbers of people tried to flee Nuwairi in central Beirut after an Israeli air strike hit buildings it said was linked to Hezbollah.
Seven people were killed in the attack, the Lebanese Health Ministry said.
Israel said 10 missiles crossed from Lebanon into its north today afternoon.
Aimee, a young woman living in Beirut who was trapped in her car when an air strike hit nearby, said she saw a black cloud overhead.
She told the BBC: “It’s been very stressful, we don’t have a normal life.
“It’s been months going through that. I mean, at least we are hoping that this [deal] will bring us long-term peace.”
Earlier in the day, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said that there were “no excuses” for Israel to refuse to accept the deal, saying that all its security concerns had been addressed.
He called for increased pressure on Israel to blunt extremists in the government who were refusing to accept the deal.
Mr Borrell warned that if a ceasefire is not implemented then “Lebanon will fall apart.”
G7 foreign ministers issued a statement today, saying: “Now is the time to conclude a diplomatic settlement.”
The Israeli bombardment has killed more than 3,500 people in Lebanon and wounded more than 15,000, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.
About 90 Israeli soldiers and nearly 50 civilians have been killed by rockets, drones and missiles and on the ground in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, Israel’s war on Gaza continues with more than 44,000 Palestinians killed.
The ceasefire deal will not include any restrictions on attacks on the besieged strip.
