Timeline: Israeli offensive

Thursday 24 August: The UN launches a 60-day plan to tackle the humanitarian situation in Lebanon. UN emergency relief co-ordinator Jan Egeland says hundreds of thousands of Lebanese have returned home but have no proper sanitation or drinking water.

Wednesday 23 August: An Israeli soldier is killed and three others injured when their tank hits a landmine in southern Lebanon.

Tuesday 22 August: Italy says it is willing to lead the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon, and that it could send up to 3,000 troops. Amnesty International accuses Israel of committing war crimes by deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure in Lebanon.

Monday 21 August: US President George W Bush announces a $230m aid package to Lebanon to help rebuild homes and infrastructure.

Sunday 20 August: Lebanon's Defence Minister Elias Murr warns that anyone firing rockets into Israel from the south will be considered a traitor, but expressed confidence that Hezbollah is committed to the UN-brokered truce.

Saturday 19 August: In what Beirut describes as a "naked violation" of the ceasefire, Israel launches an overnight raid deep inside Lebanese territory. One Israeli is killed with reports saying three Hezbollah fighters also died.

Friday 18 August: Italy announces it is prepared to send troops and might even take over leadership of the operation. Hezbollah hands out $12,000 each to people who have lost their flats to bombings in southern Beirut, residents say.

Thursday 17 August: Lebanese troops cross the Litani river to take up positions as Israel's army pulls back. Displaced people continue to head home despite leaflets dropped by Israeli aircraft warning people to stay away from southern Lebanon.

Wednesday 16 August: France says it is ready to command an expanded international force working along with the Lebanese army, but only under certain conditions. Around 250,000 Lebanese people return to their homes.

Tuesday 15 August: On the second day of the fragile ceasefire, Israeli soldiers shoot five Hezbollah gunmen, killing at least three.

Monday 14 August: An official ceasefire comes into effect at 0500GMT (0800 Lebanese time and 0900 UAE time); Israeli troops begin to withdraw from the country although the government says some will remain there until the UN and Lebanese army soldiers arrive in the south;Thousands of displaced Lebanese citizens begin to head back to their homes causing lengthy traffic jams on the highways;