PK-LIVE NEWS

Israeli forces have reached the outskirts of the southern Lebanese city of Nabatieh and captured the strategic Beaufort Castle despite a ceasefire agreement in place since April, as analysts warn Israel is laying the groundwork for long-term control of territory inside Lebanon.

The advance marks Israel’s deepest incursion into Lebanon in more than a quarter of a century. Israeli forces now occupy about 2,000 square kilometres (770 square miles) of Lebanese territory – nearly one-fifth of the country.