The Foreign Office is now advising against "all but essential" travel to Lebanon, in the wake of Israeli air strikes on the country.

The FCO is also advising against "all travel to areas of southern Lebanon, south of a line between Tyre and Marjayoun", following the kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers on the border with Israel yesterday, and the exchange of fire across the border.

The revised advice goes on: "Both runways of Beirut airport are currently closed as a result of Israeli air strikes.

"If you are currently in Lebanon you should exercise caution, keep in touch with the Embassy and heed local advice. We are keeping the situation under close review."