The strike on Hezbollah’s stronghold in Lebanon's capital is a major escalation adding to fears of an all-out war.

Israel carried out extensive air strikes across southern Lebanon on Thursday, stepping up hostilities after it declared a “new phase” of war against militant group Hezbollah in the area.

The airstrike follows a deadly week of attacks that have intensified nearly a year of fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed Lebanese militia Hezbollah.