GENEVA: More than 30,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in Lebanon by the escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, the United Nations said Tuesday. Israel is continuing to carry out air raids in Lebanon in a campaign against Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, particularly on the southern suburbs of the capital Beirut and the south of the country, after issuing evacuation warnings to residents. "As of Monday, more than 31,000 people were being hosted and registered at collective shelters" in Lebanon, Babar Baloch, spokesman for the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, told AFP.

Middle East conflict spreads as Hezbollah attacks Israel, prompting strikes on Beirut; oil prices soar; drone hits UK base in Cyprus

Israel's response to Hezbollah attack kills at least 52 people and leads to mass displacement in Lebanon.