Israel Gears up for Massive Ground Assault as World Dithers

The talk of a ground offensive came despite a call from Annan on Thursday for an immediate ceasefire after the worst cross-border fighting in a quarter century that has also killed 33 Israelis.

On Friday, Annan lobbied on behalf of an international security force in the border region that Israel so far has refused to back. "I think it's going to be a serious escalation" if Israel invades southern Lebanon, Annan told CNN television.

UN envoy Vijay Nambiar, just back from the region, gave a downbeat assessment to the UN Security Council of the chances for peace, saying there were "serious obstacles" to halting the fighting "in the immediate future."

Calls for humanitarian corridors

Douste- Blazy warned of the destruction of Lebanon

In Cairo, Douste-Blazy warned that the escalating conflict could destroy Lebanon. "We must note the severity of the situation... and call for humanitarian corridors, call for the immediate cessation of hostilities, find all the conditions for a ceasefire, if not, it will be the destruction of the Lebanese state," he told a joint news conference with his Egyptian counterpart Ahmed Abul Gheit.

Rice said she would meet Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas on her trip.

Again rejecting EU and Arab calls for an immediate ceasefire, Rice said: "I think we are beginning to see outlines of a political framework that might allow the cessation of violence in a more sustainable way."

UN relief coordinator Jan Egeland was due in Beirut on Saturday and would also try to visit southern Lebanon to assess humanitarian needs and to launch an international appeal for aid.

Mass evacuation still continuing

The convoys of evacuees keep streaming out of Lebanon

Thousands of Lebanese, in cars, trucks and minibuses, are still fleeing southern Lebanon, where Israel's massive bombardment has left a trail of destruction and brought shortages of food and medicines.

Israel's air and sea blockade put Lebanon's only international airport out of action, bombed houses, roads, bridges, factories, warehouses and trucks, creating scenes reminiscent of the 1975-1990 civil war.

"The most basic human rights of the population are at risk or are being violated, including their rights to life, health and food," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour said.

Olmert said he was willing to open a humanitarian corridor to ease the crisis.

Cyprus and Syria take in refugees

With no sign the international community is closer to brokering a ceasefire, foreign governments continued to evacuate nationals by sea to nearby Cyprus or overland through Syria.

Britain urged all remaining nationals wanting to leave to gather at a Beirut assembly point on Saturday for its last evacuation ships out.

US Marines continue to evacuate their countrymen by sea

US marines were in the Lebanese capital for the first time in 22 years to help take American citizens to Cyprus which is being used as the main staging point for the massive evacuation operation.

The Mediterranean island is reeling from the influx, battling to find temporary accommodation and flights for the estimated 70,000 people expected to arrive from Lebanon at the height of the holiday season.

Second front in Gaza still active

Israel is also continuing its air, sea and ground offensive on the Gaza Strip, where at least 106 people have been killed in two weeks.

The operation was launched with the aim of retrieving a soldier snatched by Palestinian militants and stopping rocket fire.