Lebanon update

Southern Beirut

Israel's prime minister, Ehud Olmert, warned of "far-reaching consequences" after eight civilian railway workers were killed and six seriously injured in a morning rocket strike in the city of Haifa, the deadliest strike in Israel since the conflict began last week. Some analysts now say a major ground invasion of southern Lebanon is being considered.

Last night Hizbullah rockets hit a village outside Nazareth, home to Israel's biggest Arab community, and the town of Afula. At 33 miles from the Lebanese border, they are the southernmost targets to have been struck so far.

Israeli jets hit army bases in Tripoli, Lebanon's second largest city, and Abdeh, killing at least nine Lebanese soldiers and injuring many more.

Earlier, at least 16 civilians were killed after a bomb flattened a building near the southern Lebanese town of Tyre. Five members of one family were killed in a strike in Aitaroun. All were visiting expatriate Lebanese who held Canadian citizenship. Around 140 Lebanese civilians have been killed so far. At least 12 Israeli civilians have died as well as 12 soldiers and sailors. Two Israeli soldiers are still being held captive by Hizbullah.