Israel-Iran LIVE: Massive explosion near Beirut airport as residents told to flee Lebanon

Israeli air strikes in the Lebanese capital are intensifying, with massive blasts reported in the south of the city - including as strike hit just outside the city's international airport close to the suburb of Dahieh

The Israeli military has just told the residents of more than 20 more southern towns in Lebanon to evacuate immediately - while a huge explosion went off near Beirut airport.

Israeli air strikes in the Lebanese capital are intensifying, with massive blasts reported in the south of the city - including as strike hit just outside the city's international airport close to the suburb of Dahieh, a Hezbollah stronghold. However, the airport still appears to be operating.

An Israeli airstrike has cut a main highway linking Lebanon with Syria, Lebanon's state-run National News Agency said Friday. The airstrike led to the closure of a road near the Masnaa Border Crossing, from where tens of thousands of people fleeing war crossed into Syria over the past two weeks.

On Tuesday, Israel began a ground incursion into Lebanon against the Hezbollah militant group while also conducting strikes in Gaza that killed dozens, including children. The Israeli military said nine soldiers have died in the conflict in southern Lebanon.

Later on Tuesday evening, air raid sirens were heard ringing out across Israel on the same evening as Iran launched 200 missiles over Jerusalem. No one was killed in the airstrike.

Follow our live blog below...

08:33Chris Hughes

Brits evacuated from Middle East as fears of all-out war rise

Brits are being evacuated from the Middle East as Keir Starmer urged the region to step back from the abyss after Iran’s missiles hit Israel.

The first charter flight of UK nationals fleeing Lebanon left Beirut-Rafic Hariri airport and landed in Birmingham tonight after a stop in Bucharest, Romania. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said more flights are planned for Thursday and over the coming days.

Read more: Brits evacuated from Middle East as fears of all-out war rise after Iran's missile launch

08:32Joseph Gamp

At least 16 killed in West Bank strike - health ministry

An Israeli strike on a refugee camp in the West Bank killed 16 people last night, the Palestinian health ministry has said.

The strike, which hit the Tulkarem refugee camp, reportedly left many others injured, with footage showing people being evacuated from the area via ambulance. Officials confirmed that the Israeli air force carried out the operation, but declined to offer further details.

08:31Joseph Gamp

Israeli strike in Beirut kills nine

An Israeli airstrike on an apartment building in the Lebanese capital has killed nine people, according to Lebanon's health ministry. Israel has been pounding areas of the country where the Hezbollah militant group has a strong presence since late September, but has rarely struck in the heart of Beirut.

There was no warning before the strike late Wednesday, which hit the building close to the United Nations headquarters, the prime minister's office and parliament. Hezbollah's civil defense unit said seven of its members were killed.

Israel is also conducting a ground incursion into Lebanon against Hezbollah, while also conducting strikes in Gaza that killed dozens, including children. The Israeli military said nine soldiers have died in the conflict in southern Lebanon.

08:31Joseph Gamp

Western leaders voice support for Israel

Western leaders have voiced support for Israel in the aftermath of the attack by Iran which saw around 180 ballistic missiles destroyed by air defences - though diplomatic efforts are in full force after Israel vowed revenge for the bombardment "will be noticed, it will be painful."

Iran's oil fields and air defence systems could be hit during the response, according to experts. Meanwhile, last night the UK revealed its armed forces were involved in protecting Israel from Iran's missile attack. The Ministry of Defence said British forces "played their part". It comes after Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu issued a chilling threat to Iran saying they "made a big mistake" in attacking Israel with missiles and "will pay for it".