Israel has stepped up strikes on the city’s southern suburbs in recent days, an area Israeli officials say hosts Hezbollah militants and infrastructure.

Video. Israeli airstrikes hit neighbourhoods in the southern suburbs of Beirut and near the city centre on Friday, causing extensive damage and escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.

An Israeli minister indicated that a ceasefire was closer than at any point since the war began, though he said a sticking point was ensuring Israel retains freedom to act inside Lebanon should any deal be violated.