Key developments in Middle-East crisis

YESTERDAY’S developments in the Israel-Lebanon crisis stem from the capture of two Israeli soldiers by Hezbollah.

Israel intensifies its attacks, blasting Beirut’s airport and two Lebanese army air bases near the Syrian border, and imposing a naval blockade.

Israel’s army chief warns “nothing is safe” in Lebanon and says Beirut itself — particularly Hezbollah offices and residences — would be a target.

Rocket reported to have hit Israeli port of Haifa. Hezbollah fires rockets into northern Israeli towns.

One Israeli killed, 36 people wounded and thousands of civilians spend the night in underground shelters. Eight Israeli soldiers have been killed.

Two days of bombings reported to have killed 55 Lebanese.

Israeli missile hits Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV studios in Beirut.

One person is hurt; broadcasts continue.

Civic centre attached to a Shi’ite Muslim mosque near town of Baalbek is hit.

A Lebanese family of 10 and another family of seven are killed in their homes in the village of Dweir.

Israeli warnings of attacks cause panic in Beirut and many people stay home from work.

EU criticises Israel for using what it called “disproportionate” force.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas warns that Israel’s offensive “is raising our fears of a new regional war” and urges world to intervene.

Egypt launches a diplomatic bid to resolve the crisis.

US criticises Hezbollah for thwarting peace.