The U.N. peacekeeping force in south Lebanon urged de-escalation on Friday after a big increase in hostilities at the Lebanese-Israeli border, where Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah have been trading fire for almost a year.

Iran's U.N. envoy warned the country had the "right to take all necessary measures to respond to this egregious violation."

David Lammy has urged British nationals to leave Lebanon, warning that the “situation could deteriorate rapidly.” The Foreign Secretary expressed his deep concern over escalating tensions and civilian casualties during a conversation with Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati.