Christian Aid has issued a stark warning that Israel’s ground offensive in Lebanon will worsen the humanitarian crisis in the country, increasing the “misery” and suffering of the Lebanese people.

The group is also calling for an immediate ceasefire in the region. 

Israe has called for the immediate evacuation of more than 20 towns in southern Lebanon due to "heavy fighting" in the area. This marks Israel's first ground operation on Lebanese soil in two decades, with reports of "limited raids" targeting Hezbollah strongholds.

The Lebanese health ministry reports that nine people were killed and 14 injured in an Israeli strike in Beirut over Wednesday night.

Hezbollah today claimed that they "confronted" IDF soldiers at a border crossing during one of Israel's incursions. The Israeli military has yet to comment on the incident.

The Foreign Office has announced plans to charter more flights for British nationals to evacuate from Lebanon later today.

The conflict has already caused extensive damage to vital infrastructure in Lebanon, including hospitals and schools in a country already grappling with a severe economic downturn and a large refugee population.

Christian Aid warns that Israeli airstrikes have killed over a thousand people and left many fleeing to Beirut's streets.

Julie Mehigan, Christian Aid’s Head of Asia, Middle East & Europe told Premier: "This is a massive, massive refugee crisis, the likes of which we haven't seen for decades."

She said: "This ground invasion will spell disaster for people living in Lebanon and heap even more misery on a country that has already been through so much in recent years. As the ground invasion unfolds, the cycle of death, destruction, and displacement is likely to spiral, leading to catastrophic humanitarian consequences for both Lebanon and the wider region. It is vital that support reaches those in need, and urgently.”