Israel vows to continue offensive as thousands flee Lebanon war zone

AS thousands of civilians trapped for nearly three weeks in south Lebanon’s war zone streamed north yesterday by truck, car and on foot, Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert vowed there would be no ceasefire in the fight against Hezbollah.

Meanwhile, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad told the Syrian military to raise its readiness, pledging not to abandon support for Lebanese resistance against Israel.

“We are facing international circumstances and regional challenges that require caution, alert, readiness and preparedness,” Assad said.