A Libyan opposition leader says the rebels will accept a UN-demanded ceasefire if Muammar Gaddafi pulls his forces from all cities and allows peaceful protests.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is sending a special envoy to Libya on an urgent mission to try to end the escalating violence and ensure humanitarian aid gets through.

More than 213,000 foreign workers have fled Libya’s violence, aid officials say as they seek at least $160m (€114m) in emergency help for the exodus.