Israel-Hezbollah latest LIVE: IDF warns Iran missile attack 'will have consequences' after major escalation in conflict

The Israeli military has confirmed that nearly 200 missiles have been launched from Iran into Israel.

Tehran fired a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday in retaliation for Israel's campaign against Iran’s Hezbollah allies in Lebanon.

Alarms sounded across Israel and explosions could be heard in Jerusalem and the Jordan River valley after Israelis piled into bomb shelters.

Israeli army radio said nearly 200 missiles had been launched into Israel from Iran. Israel's military later sounded the all-clear and said residents were free to leave their shelters.

Details of damage and casualties remained unclear but US National security adviser Jake Sullivan said in a press conference the attack was “defeated and ineffective”.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Iran had launched tens of missiles at Israel, and that if Israel retaliated Tehran's response would be "more crushing and ruinous".

But Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said the attack would have consequences, as did Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon.

"As we have previously made clear to the international community, any enemy that attacks Israel should expect a painful response", Danon said in a statement.

It comes after Israel announced it is carrying out “limited” and “targeted” ground raids on Hezbollah in Lebanon in a major escalation of a conflict in the Middle East that now threatens to suck in the US and Iran.

The Israeli military said operations in Lebanon began on Monday night and involved paratroops and commandos from the elite 98th division, which was deployed to the northern front two weeks ago from Gaza where they had been fighting for months.

It said its air force and artillery supported ground troops engaged in “limited, localised, and targeted ground raids” against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon villages that posed “an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel”.

The Israeli military warned people to evacuate nearly two dozen Lebanese border communities hours after announcing its ground operations against Hezbollah.

Meanwhile the UK Government has chartered a flight out of Lebanon Britons wanting to leave.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the situation in Lebanon as “volatile” and with the “potential to deteriorate quickly” as the flight, due to leave Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Wednesday, was confirmed.

Earlier, Mr Lammy reiterated calls for Britons in Lebanon to leave and said the Government will do “all that we can” to assist people in fleeing.

Follow the latest developments below...

Key Points

• Israeli ground forces begin 'targeted raids' on Hezbollah

• Foreign Secretary urges Brits to leave Lebanon as Israel begins ground operation

• Heavy fighting taking place in Southern Lebanon, IDF says

That's all from us

21:56 , Daniel Keane

Thank you for following our live coverage.

Starmer says Iran has 'menaced the Middle East for far too long'

20:50 , Matt Watts

Sir Keir Starmer said Iran has “menaced the Middle East for far too long” as he condemned the attack on Israel.

“We stand with Israel and we recognise her right to self defence in the face of this aggression,” he said in a statement in Downing Street.

“Iran must stop these attacks. Together with its proxies like Hezbollah, Iran has menaced the Middle East for far too long, chaos and destruction brought not just to Israel, but to the people they live amongst in Lebanon and beyond.

“Make no mistake, Britain stands full square against such violence. We support Israel’s reasonable demand for the security of its people.”

Keir Starmer 'deeply concerned the region is on the brink'

20:47 , Matt Watts

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said Britain stands with Israel and warned “I’m deeply concerned that the region is on the brink” in a televised address from Downing Street.

David Lammy warns against 'cycle of escalation' in Middle East

20:45 , Matt Watts

Foreign Secretary David Lammy warned against a “cycle of escalation” as he condemned the missile attack on Israel.

He said: “I condemn Iran’s attack on Israel in the strongest terms.

“Today I warned Iran against taking action that could push the region further towards the brink. A cycle of escalation is in no-one’s interest.”

US says attack was 'ineffective'

20:29 , Matt Watts

US National security adviser Jake Sullivan has said the US is still working with Israel "to assess the impact of the attack" but "at this time we do not know of any deaths in Israel".

"In short, this attack seems to have been defeated and ineffective," he told a press conference.

He called the attack "a significant escalation by Iran".

New 'Fattah' hypersonic missile used for first time in attack, says Iran

20:25 , Matt Watts

A ‘Fattah’ hypersonic missile was used by Iran for the first time in its attack against Israel on Tuesday evening, according to the country's revolutionary guard.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also claimed "90%" of its missiles successfully hit their intended targets.

That claim strongly contradicts other reports, with the White House's national security adviser branding the attack "ineffective".

Iran warns of 'more destructive' second wave

20:08 , Matt Watts

Ebrahim Azizi, the head of Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said on Iranian state TV that this was his country’s first wave of attacks, the BBC reports.

He said Israeli “military centres and facilities were our targets, but the attacks might have lead to civilians being hit as well due to possible miscalculations”, the BBC reported.

Azizi says if Israel “makes a mistake” again, there is going to be a second wave which will be “even more destructive”.

Starmer condemns Iran's attack on Israel

20:01 , Matt Watts

A Downing Street spokesperson said: "The Prime Minister spoke to Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this afternoon, and they discussed the escalating situation across the Middle East.

"The Prime Minister condemned Iran's attack on Israel today in the strongest terms, which began during the leaders' conversation, and expressed the UK's steadfast commitment to Israeli security and the protection of civilians.

"During the call, the Prime Minister also underlined the importance of a ceasefire in Lebanon to allow space for a political solution in line with UNSC Resolution 1701.

"The Prime Minister also raised the situation in Gaza and the importance of a ceasefire and action to bring home the hostages."

Hamas praise missile strikes

19:34 , Daniel Keane

Hamas praised on Tuesday the Iranian missile strikes avenging deaths of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and Brigadier General Abbas Nilforoushan.

In a statement, the terror group said: “We congratulate the heroic rocket launch carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Iran, on large areas of our occupied territories.”

Pictured: Israeli border guards outside mosque in Jaffa after gun attack

19:29 , Daniel Keane

US bases 'could be targeted if Washington joins Israeli response'

19:08 , Daniel Keane

US bases in Iraq and the region will be targets if Washington joins any response to Iranian strikes on Israel or if Israel uses Iraqi airspace against Tehran, Iranian-backed Iraqi armed groups have said.

There are approximately 2,500 US troops still serving in Iraq.

Death toll in Jaffa gun attack rises to four

18:54 , Daniel Keane

Four people have been killed and seven wounded in a shooting attack in the Jaffa neighbourhood of Tel Aviv on Tuesday, Israeli police said in a statement.

They said the two shooters had been "neutralised" and the situation was "under control".

Pictured: Civilians take cover under bridge in northern Israel

18:49 , Daniel Keane

Iran's Supreme Leader 'remains in secure location'

18:29 , Daniel Keane

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei remains in a secure location after Tehran fired missiles at Israel, a senior Iranian official has told Reuters.

He was moved to a secure location after Israel assassinated Iran's close ally Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah last week.

Order to attack Israel 'given by Iran's Supreme Leader'

18:22 , Daniel Keane

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gave the order to launch missiles at Israel, a senior Iranian official has told Reuters.

They added that Tehran "is fully ready for any retaliation".

Iran's mission to UN says Israel attack is 'legitimate response to terrorist acts'

18:20 , Daniel Keane

Iran's attack on Israel is a "legal, rational, and legitimate response to the terrorist acts," Iran's mission to the United Nations in New York posted on X on Tuesday.

"Should the Zionist regime dare to respond or commit further acts of malevolence, a subsequent and crushing response will ensue. Regional states and the Zionists' supporters are advised to part ways with the regime," the mission wrote.

Iran's mission to UN says Israel attack is 'legitimate response to terrorist acts'

18:20 , Daniel Keane

Iran's attack on Israel is a "legal, rational, and legitimate response to the terrorist acts," Iran's mission to the United Nations in New York posted on X on Tuesday.

"Should the Zionist regime dare to respond or commit further acts of malevolence, a subsequent and crushing response will ensue. Regional states and the Zionists' supporters are advised to part ways with the regime," the mission wrote.

IDF confirms closure of Israeli airspace following Iranian attack

18:17 , Daniel Keane

The Israel Defence Forces has confirmed that Israeli airspace has been closed following Iran’s missile attack on Israel.

All flights halted from Tel Aviv's main airport

18:14 , Daniel Keane

All flights in and out of Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport have been halted after Iran launched missiles towards Israel, according to Israeli army radio.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards confirm missiles fired at Israel

18:12 , Daniel Keane

Iran's Revolutionary Guards has confirmed that they have launched tens of missiles toward Israel.

In a statement they warned that if Israel retaliated Tehran's response would be "more crushing and ruinous", Iranian state TV reported.

Jordan suspends all air traffic

18:08 , Daniel Keane

Jordan has temporarily suspended all air traffic, according to the country’s state news agency.

It comes after Iran launched hundreds of missiles at Israel on Tuesday evening.

Heavy gunfire heard in Beirut

18:04 , Daniel Keane

Heavy and continuous gunfire was heard in parts of the Lebanese capital Beirut on Tuesday evening, a Reuters witness said.

The cause of the gunfire was not immediately clear.

Explosions heard in Tel Aviv and near Jerusalem

18:02 , Daniel Keane

A series of explosions have been heard in Tel Aviv and near Jerusalem, according to the Associated Press.

Ten million Israeli civilians 'at risk from missile attack'

17:59 , Daniel Keane

More than 10 million Israeli civilians are at risk from missile strikes launched by Iran into Israel, according to the Israeli military.

Four killed in attack in Jaffa, Israeli police say

17:53 , Daniel Keane

Four people have been shot dead and seven wounded in an attack in the Jaffa district of Tel Aviv, police have said.

The two shooters have been neutralised, they added.

Loud explosions heard in Jordan Valley

17:51 , Daniel Keane

Loud explosions have been heard in the Jordan Valley, according to a Reuters witness.

It comes minutes after Iran launched a widespread missile attack at Israel.

Israel preparing for Iran attack 'as early as this evening', say officials

17:20 , Daniel Keane

British officials have told NBC that Israel is preparing for retaliation from Iran as early as this evening.

It comes after US officials told the broadcaster that Tehran could launch a “ballistic missile attack” against Israel.

Iran 'to use ballistic missiles that can reach targets in 12 minutes'

16:49 , Daniel Keane

Iran is expected to attack Israel with ballistic missiles that can reach targets within 12 minutes, and not with drones or cruise missiles that take longer, an Axios reporter said on Tuesday on X.

The reporter cited a Western source familiar with the matter.

US official warns an Iran strike could be bigger than its attack on Israel in April

16:28 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

A US official has told news agency Reuters that the strike the White House believes Iran to be preparing could be as large or potentially bigger than the one Tehran launched on April 14.

Iran's mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The April attack - the first-ever direct Iranian strike on Israel - saw Tehran launch more than 300 missiles and drones.

It was in retaliation for what Iran called an Israeli strike on its Damascus consulate that killed seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officers, including two senior commanders.

It caused only modest damage inside Israel due to air defence interceptions not only by Israel, but by the US, Britain, and other allies in the region.

UN chief calls for immediate ceasefire in Lebanon

16:16 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed on Tuesday for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country to be respected, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.

"An all-out war must be avoided in Lebanon at all costs," Mr Dujarric said in a statement, adding that Guterres spoke with Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati earlier on Tuesday, telling him the UN was ready to help those in need.

"The Secretary-General will continue his contacts, and his representatives on the ground will also continue their efforts to de-escalate the situation," Mr Dujarric said.

Direct attack from Iran in Israel 'will carry severe consequences for Iran' says White House

15:59 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

The US is actively supporting preparations to defend Israel against a ballistic missile attack should one be launched by Iran, says the White House.

The US has indications Iran is preparing to “imminently” launch such a strike, said a senior White House official.

"A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran," the official said.

The warning follows Israel's announcement that its commando and paratroop units launched raids into southern Lebanon in a limited incursion as it pursues strikes against Hezbollah militants that have killed the Iran-backed group's leader and senior commanders.

Iran's mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The US military on Sunday warned Iran against expanding the conflict and said it was increasing air support capabilities in the region and putting troops on increased readiness.

Iran could be preparing imminent missile attack on Israel, says US

15:14 , Jacob Phillips

Iran is preparing to "imminently" launch a ballistic missile attack on Israel, according to a senior US administration official, who warned Tuesday of "severe consequences" should it take place.

The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the intelligence, said the US is actively supporting Israeli defensive preparations.

This comes after the Israeli military on Tuesday warned people to evacuate nearly two dozen Lebanese border communities hours after announcing what it said were limited ground operations against Hezbollah.

White House officials did not immediately offer any evidence backing its intelligence finding.

The official added that the administration was confident in the determination.

Iran's state media has not suggested any attack is imminent.

Three dead including a TV anchor in Israeli airstrikes in Damascus

14:56 , Jacob Phillips

Syria's Defense Ministry has said that Israeli strikes targeted several areas in capital Damascus early Tuesday.

Air defenses shot down most of the missiles, but three civilians were killed and nine others injured, it said.

Among those killed was a well-known television news anchor, Safaa Ahmad.

Israel frequently targets Syrian military sites and locations associated with Iran-backed groups, but strikes inside the city of Damascus are rare.

Israeli military calls up four reserve brigades

14:17 , Jacob Phillips

The Israeli military has said it has called up four additional reserve brigades for operational missions on the northern border with Lebanon.

"This will enable the continuation of operational activity against the Hezbollah terrorist organisation and the achievement of operational goals, including the safe return of residents of northern Israel to their homes," the military said in a statement.

British boy saw rockets landing all around him on way to airport in Lebanon

13:55 , Jacob Phillips

A 13-year-old British boy who was rushed home from a holiday in Lebanon on Saturday has described seeing rockets landing all around him on his way to the airport.

Ali, who did not give his surname, said he “couldn’t sleep because the drones were very low.

“It was like having a fly in your ear,” he added.

The youngster was waiting at Heathrow Airport for his 19-year-old sister and grandmother who is in her 90s, who are on a flight from Beirut.

“I was at risk of losing my life,” he continued. “There were rockets left, right and centre.

“Little children were scared, but I was OK. It’s sad to see my country like this”.

Ali showed the PA news agency a video he filmed on his way to Beirut Airport on Saturday, showing plumes of smoke rising into the air over the city.

Dutch airline suspends all flights to Tel Aviv until at least the end of the year

13:09 , Jacob Phillips

Dutch airline KLM has suspended all flights to Tel Aviv until the end of this year at least, the Dutch arm of airline group Air France KLM said on Tuesday.

The airline had previously cancelled all flights to Tel Aviv until Oct. 26 because of heightened tensions in the region.

KLM does not operate flights to Beirut.

Thousands of Brits in Lebanon urged to leave Lebanon as chartered flights to begin

12:45 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Britons in Lebanon have been warned the UK cannot guarantee getting them out quickly if the "febrile and fragile" situation deteriorates.

Some 4,000-6,000 British nationals are thought to be in Lebanon and they have been encouraged to register with the UK authorities as efforts are stepped up to provide routes out on flights.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy has urged them to leave by commercial flights or on a UK-chartered plane due to depart on Wednesday, warning that the airport could be closed if the fighting continues.

The charter aircraft from Lebanon on Wednesday follows efforts to secure seats on the remaining commercial flights out of Beirut, including one to Heathrow on Tuesday.

The UK has already deployed troops to Cyprus in case the situation deteriorates further and an emergency evacuation is needed.

Mr Lammy told broadcasters at the Foreign Office this morning: "I intend to put on a charter flight using commercial services tomorrow, and I'm seeking more capacity over the coming days so that people can return to our country over the next few days whilst the airport is still open.

"But I have warned and cautioned now for months that we have seen, in previous crises between Israel and Lebanon, the airport close, and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to get people out in speedy fashion.

"And of course, this is now turning into a very, very concerning situation on the ground."

British nationals and their spouses, partners and children under 18 are eligible for the UK charter flight, and those who are vulnerable will be prioritised.

Ireland's deputy leader 'very concerned' by Israeli 'raids' as Irish citizens urged to leave Lebanon

12:31 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Ireland's deputy premier has said he is "very concerned" by Israeli troops starting "ground raids" in villages in south Lebanon, saying international humanitarian law is not being respected.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said the "extraordinary" impact on people by a ground incursion, potentially leaving more than a million people displaced, is "unacceptable".

Irish premier Simon Harris said Irish citizens have been advised to leave or make arrangements to leave while it is still possible.

It is believed that up to 150 Irish citizens are in Lebanon, with many opting to leave following the escalation in fighting.

David Lammy calls for ceasefires in Lebanon and Gaza

11:54 , Jacob Phillips

Foreign Secretary David Lammy has called for ceasefires in Lebanon and Gaza and urged Israel and Iran to avoid the risk of a regional war in the Middle East.

He told reporters: “We will continue to speak to the Israelis and indeed to other actors in the Middle East.

“At this time, none of us want to see a regional escalation. None of us want a return to the years in which Israel found itself bogged down in a quagmire in southern Lebanon and pitched battles between Israeli soldiers and of course the Lebanese side.”

He added: “We have been warning for months that we risk a regional war with escalation on all sides and that is why we want to see an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon.

“It is politics, discussion and diplomacy that will solve the problems before us and we urge, with partners, restraint at this time.”

Asked what message he had for Tehran, which backs Hezbollah, he said: “We are urging restraint. None of us want to see a regional war, the price would be huge for the Middle East and it would have a significant effect on the global economy.”

Hezbollah denies Israeli troops have entered Lebanon

11:48

Hezbollah has denied that Israeli troops have entered Lebanon but says its fighters are ready for a "direct confrontation" if they cross the border.

In its first statement since Israel announced the start of ground operations, Hezbollah spokesman Mohammed Afif said reports that Israeli forces had entered Lebanon were "false claims."

He said Hezbollah fighters are ready "to have direct confrontation with enemy forces that dare to or try to enter Lebanon to inflict casualties among them.”

He also said Hezbollah's firing of medium-range missiles toward central Israel earlier on Tuesday "is only the beginning."

Israeli military warns Lebanese communities to evacuate

11:17 , Jacob Phillips

The Israeli military has warned Lebanese border communities to evacuate, hours after launching what it said was a limited ground incursion against the Hezbollah militant group.

The warning specified around two dozen communities in southern Lebanon and asked people to evacuate north of the Awali River, some 36 miles from the border.

The Israeli military has warned people to move further than the Litani River, which marks the edge of a UN declared buffer zone between Israel and Hezbollah.

The zone was intended to serve as a buffer between Israel and Hezbollah after they fought to a monthlong stalemate in 2006.

The Israeli military earlier warned people not to travel south of the Litani, some 18 miles north of the border.

An Israeli military official said the troops were within walking distance of the border, focused on villages hundreds of metres from Israel.

Hezbollah fired missiles at Israel's Mossad intelligence agency

10:30 , Jacob Phillips

Lebanon's Hezbollah has said it fired missiles at the headquarters of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency and at a military intelligence unit on the outskirts of Tel Aviv on Tuesday.

Airlines suspend flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut and Tehran

10:19 , Jacob Phillips

Lufthansa Group has announced its airlines have extended the suspension of flights to and from Tel Aviv, Beirut and Tehran amid an escalation of an armed conflict in the Middle East.

Flights to and from Tel Aviv will be suspended through October 31, while flights to and from Beirut and Tehran will be suspended through November 30 and October 14, respectively, the group said in a statement.

Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings are all part of the Lufthansa Group.

Israel said on Tuesday that intense fighting had erupted with Hezbollah in south Lebanon after its paratroopers, commandos and armoured units launched raids at the start of a ground incursion.

Smoke seen rising from villages in southern Lebanon

10:06 , Jacob Phillips

Further pictures have shown the destruction caused by Israeli strikes on Lebanon.

Smoke could be seen rising from on the southern villages of Adeisseh and Kfar Kila along the border with Israel on Tuesday.

Buildings were also completely destroyed in the Ruwais and Laylaki neighbourhoods in Beirut.

Drone boat loaded with explosives strikes ship in the red sea

09:49 , Jacob Phillips

A drone boat loaded with explosives has crashed into a ship in the Red Sea, the British military and private security officials said, the latest suspected attack by Yemen's Houthi rebels.

The Houthis threatened "escalating military operations" targeting Israel on Monday after they apparently shot down a US military drone flying over Yemen.

The first attack took place some 110 kilometers (70 miles) off the port city of Hodeida. A captain on a ship saw four "splashes" near his vessel, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said in a warning.

The UKMTO later reported a second attack north of the first. The private intelligence firm Ambrey similarly reported two separate attacks.

The UKMTO later said the first ship it reported on was later damaged by a drone that punctured one of its ballast tanks in another attack.

Those tanks control a ship's buoyancy.

In a further update the UKMTO said that all crew on board the ship were safe.

Ambrey identified the drone as a drone boat, which have been increasingly used by the Houthis.

The ship had been heading north to the Suez Canal with armed private security guards aboard, the firm said.

Explosion and sirens heard in Tel Aviv

09:31 , Jacob Phillips

Sirens have been sounded in central Israel following the launch of projectiles which then crossed the border from Lebanon, the Israeli military said on Tuesday.

An explosion was heard in Tel Aviv and air raid sirens went off, a witness told Reuters.

United Nations appeal launched to raise $426 million for civilians in Lebanon

09:23 , Jacob Phillips

A $426 million appeal has been launched by the United Nations to help civilians affected by the escalating conflict in Lebanon.

Lebanon's caretaker prime minister, Najib Mikati, and UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon Imran Riza launched the appeal on Tuesday, the UN said in a statement.

'We can't allow the October 7 scenario to ever happen again' says IDF

09:12 , Jacob Phillips

Israel does not plan to occupy southern Lebanon but wants to prevent further attacks on the country, the Israeli military has said.

IDF spokesperson Lt Col Peter Lerne told the BBC’s Today programme: “Our goal is to dismantle the infrastructure that has been established to penetrate into Israel and kill Israelis.

“That is what we are trying to do. There is no plan to occupy.”

He added: “We can’t allow the October 7 scenario ever to happen again from any of our borders that would be unacceptable from anywhere in the world and that is what we are out there to stop.”

Around 1,200 people were killed and 240 were taken hostage when Hamas bust in Israel on October 7.

The attack has been described as the in "the deadliest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust".

Ground offensive in Lebanon a 'catastrophic situation for children' says UNICEF

08:52

At least 80 children have reportedly been killed in attacks in Lebanon while hundreds more have been injured over the last week, UNICEF has warned.

The charity’s executive director said on Monday that “any ground offensive or further escalation in Lebanon would make a catastrophic situation for children even worse” and that it must be avoided at all costs.

Catherine Russell said: “The number of people internally displaced by the violence has spiked to more than one million – including over 300,000 children.

“Thousands of children and families are now living in the streets or in shelters; many having fled their homes without essential supplies and belongings. Humanitarian conditions are growing worse by the hour.

“UNICEF and our partners are on the ground in Lebanon, reaching children and families with essential support. Our teams are delivering drinking water, medical supplies, mattresses and blankets, as well as hygiene, dignity and baby kits.”

Drone strikes ship in the Red Sea in suspected Houthi attack

08:21 , Jacob Phillips

A drone has struck a ship in the Red sea in a suspected attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, the British military said.

The drone attack and an earlier attempted attack on Tuesday are likely the rebels' first assault on commercial shipping in weeks as the Israel-Hamas war threatens to become a regional conflict.

The Houthis had threatened "escalating military operations" targeting Israel on Monday after they apparently shot down a US military drone flying over the country.

The first attack took place some 110 kilometers (70 miles) off the port city of Hodeida.

A captain on a ship saw four "splashes" near his vessel, the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said in a warning.

The UKMTO later reported a second attack north of the first. The private intelligence firm Ambrey similarly reported two separate attacks.

The UKMTO later said a ship had been damaged by a drone that had punctured one of its ballast tanks, which control a ship's buoyancy.

James Cleverly says he supports Israel's incursion into Lebanon

08:07 , Jacob Phillips

Tory leadership contender James Cleverly has said he supports Israel’s military incursion into Lebanon.

Asked on Sky News if he supports Israel’s ground operation in Lebanon, the former foreign secretary said: “I do, and the reason why is what I have always said, Israel has the right to defend itself.

“Israel has been at the receiving end of rockets from Hamas, who are embedded within Lebanese society. I love Lebanon. I’ve been to Beirut.

“I’ve spoken with representatives of many of the parts of Lebanese society on a very, very regular basis.

“But Hezbollah are doing huge damage, not just to Israel, but to the Lebanese people.

“Those rockets have been raining down for months, and Israel has now taken action.

“My support has always come with the caveat that Israel must continue to adhere to international humanitarian law. They absolutely have the right to defend themselves.”

Pictures reveal scale of destruction in Beirut

08:00 , Jacob Phillips

The scale of destruction from overnight Israeli airstrikes is beginning to become clear in Beirut.

Pictures show buildings have been completely destroyed in the Laylaki neighbourhood of the Lebanese capital.

Elsewhere residents in the Lebanese border town of Aita al-Shaab reported heavy shelling and the sound of helicopters and drones overhead.

Flares were repeatedly launched over the Lebanese border town of Rmeish, lighting up the night sky.

Heavy fighting taking place in Southern Lebanon, IDF says

07:53 , Jacob Phillips

The Israeli military has said that intense fighting with Hezbollah was taking place in southern Lebanon, spokesperson Avichay Adraee posted on X.

The military issued a warning to citizens not to move in their vehicles from the northern area to the southern area of the Litani river.

Mr Adraee said that Hezbollah was using the the population as human shields to launch attacks.

Lammy urges Brits to leave Lebanon as Israel begins ground operation

07:46 , Jacob Phillips

Foreign Secretary David Lammy urged Britons to leave Lebanon hours before a ground incursion was launched by Israeli forces.

Speaking to Sky News, Mr Lammy said the situation in Lebanon is "fast-moving" and ministers can't guarantee help "if things escalate in a major way over the coming hours and days".

He told reporters: "I have been urging since coming to office in July for British nationals to leave Lebanon. And indeed the previous government from October 2023 was urging UK nationals not to travel to Lebanon.

"Notwithstanding that we sent a rapid response team. 700 troops are in Cyprus. We will do all we can to assist people to get out. We have secured places on commercial flights that are flying tomorrow so that UK nationals can get out."

Read the full story here.

'There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach' warns Netanyahu

07:42 , Jacob Phillips

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Iranians on Monday that there was nowhere in the Middle East beyond Israel's reach, three days after Israel's military killed the leader of Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

Netanyahu, speaking in English in a three-minute-long video released by his office in which he said he was addressing the Iranian people, blamed the Iranian government for plunging the Middle East "deeper into war" at the cost of its own people.

"There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach. There is nowhere we will not go to protect our people and protect our country," Netanyahu said.

He said the Iranian government was bringing Iranians "closer to the abyss".

Iran and Israel would be at peace when Iran is "finally free", which he said would "come a lot sooner than people think".

Referring to Hezbollah's Hassan Nasrallah, killed on Friday in Israeli airstrikes on Beirut, Netanyahu said that "puppets" of the Iranian "regime" were eliminated every day.

Israel has ramped up attacks on militant targets in Lebanon against Hezbollah, the best armed of militant groups across the Middle East aligned with Iran.

Suspected Houthi rebel attacks in Red Sea

07:35 , Jacob Phillips

Suspected attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels have targeted at least one ship in the Red Sea, likely marking their first assault on commercial shipping in weeks as the Israel-Hamas war threatens to become a regional conflict.

The Houthis had threatened "escalating military operations" targeting Israel on Monday after they apparently shot down a US military drone flying over the country.

The first attack on Tuesday morning took place some 110 kilometers (70 miles) off the port city of Hodeida in the Red Sea, which has become a battlefield for shippers since the Houthis began their campaign targeting ships travelling through a waterway that once saw $1 trillion a year of cargo pass through it.

Houthis have targeted more than 80 merchant vessels with missiles and drones since the war in Gaza started in October. They have seized one vessel and sank two in the campaign that has also killed four sailors.

Israeli troops enter southern Lebanon in 'targeted' raids

07:27 , Jacob Phillips

Israeli ground forces crossed into southern Lebanon early on Tuesday in a dramatic escalation of the offensive against Hezbollah - as the UK government chartered a flight to help Britons trapped in the country escape.

The Israeli military said in a brief statement that it began “limited, localised and targeted ground raids” against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.

“These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel,” it said.

The incursion follows weeks of heavy blows by Israel against Hezbollah - including an airstrike that killed its longtime leader, Hassan Nasrallah - and seeks to step up the pressure on the group, which began firing rockets into northern Israel after the start of the war in Gaza.

The last time Israel and Hezbollah engaged in ground combat was in 2006.