The UN Security Council holds an emergency meeting regarding Lebanon

Diplomats in New York reported that the UN Security Council intends to hold an emergency meeting later on Monday to discuss the escalating conflict in Lebanon.

According to diplomatic sources, the session was decided to be held at the request of France, and is scheduled to begin at three in the afternoon (19:00 GMT).

The conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah has intensified in recent days, with the advance of Israeli ground forces and the possibility of additional attacks on the Beirut area, despite a ceasefire announced in mid-April.

No other details about the meeting were immediately available.