He also says Hezbollah has called for negotiations on an exchange of detainees.

On the same day, Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Saniora met with German special envoy Peter Wittig and the United Nation's top humanitarian official, Jan Egeland.

Speaking later at a news conference, Wittig said the priority for all was to de-escalate the dangerous situation.

"We have to create the conditions so that violence stops and a political framework for viable and durable solution and stabilisation can be found."

Egeland first inspected the destruction wrought by Israeli air raids on south Beirut prior to talks with Saniora. He also announced that the UN would begin a major relief operation in the next few days.

Egeland was expected to head next to Israel for further coordination on opening aid corridors.

Israel has said it will loosen its blockade on Beirut's port to allow humanitarian supplies to pass through.

An Italian aid ship has unloaded supplies from the World Health Organisation and private donors to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis brewing in the south and other parts of Lebanon.