NICOSIA, March 4 (Reuters) - Cyprus ⁠said ⁠a suspect object had ⁠been detected close to Lebanese airspace on ​Wednesday, and a government source said two Greek ‌F-16 fighter jets had ‌been scrambled to intercept it. The alert ⁠was ⁠called off more than an hour later.

As the war in Iran intensifies, humanitarian groups warn the civilian toll is mounting across the Middle East.

Israel resumed heavy strikes against Hezbollah in Beirut's southern suburbs and other areas Tuesday as its troops advanced into southern Lebanon.

Israel said it deployed more forces in Lebanon to protect its people, but its military chief said the goal is more ambitious: to disarm Hezbollah. Israel made plans for the incursion well in advance.

As Israel intensifies its campaign against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia, Lebanon is now teetering on the brink of being fully sucked into the escalating US and Israeli war on Iran – a fate the fragile Lebanese government has been desperate to avoid.

By Emma Farge and Olivia Le Poidevin GENEVA, March 3 (Reuters) - At least 30,000 displaced people have sought protection in shelters in Lebanon since hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah escalated this week,

Tens of thousands have fled their homes in Lebanon’s south as Israel issues forced evacuation order for entire area.