Loud explosions resounded in Beirut as Israeli warplanes renewed their onslaught, carrying out several strikes on southern suburbs, local media reported. Israeli helicopters, meanwhile, attacked suspected Hezbollah positions in the southern city of Tyre.

At Tyre, Hezbollah's Al-Manar television said Israeli troops were prevented by guerrillas from landing.

One Israeli soldier was killed and three wounded. Hezbollah's claim came after Israeli warplanes and helicopters flew over the coastal city and were subjected to Hezbollah's anti-aircraft fire, residents said.

After days of desultory diplomacy, Washington said it was near agreement with France on a UN ceasefire resolution, possibly by early next week. But no cessation of fighting has been in sight.

Meanwhile, British prime minister Tony Blair yesterday spoke by phone with Lebanese prime minister Fuad Siniora and restated his support for the seven-point plan for a ceasefire put forward by Siniora at last week's Rome summit.

The plan calls for a mutual release of prisoners held by both Israeli authorities and Hezbollah and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon. It also envisages the Lebanese government taking control of all of southern Lebanon with the help of an international force.

Blair told Siniora he believed his plan needed to be addressed in the resolution being drafted at the United Nations, said Downing Street.

And he promised that the UK would continue to take an active role in supporting humanitarian relief and to take up this issue with the Israelis.

Siniora said he was grateful for Blair's support and for his leading role in trying to find a solution to the crisis, said Downing Street.

Blair on Friday postponed a planned holiday in order to remain in touch with key players during a crucial stage in the process of seeking an end to hostilities.

The British leader has been focussing since early yesterday morning on the need for agreement on a text of the resolution expected to be tabled at the UN within the next few days.

"He believes significant progress has been made in the last 24 hours towards agreeing a UN resolution which could provide for a cessation of hostilities, ' said a Downing Street spokesman.

"He remains clearly of the view that this would only be the first stage and that we also need the speedy implementation of an international stabilisation force and the political framework in which it would operate.

"He is also clear that we have to focus on reinvigoration of the IsraeliPalestinian peace process."

Meanwhile, thousands from across Britain gathered yesterday for a huge demonstration calling for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon. The protest began at Speakers' Corner in Hyde Park, central London, and then passed by the US embassy before heading to Whitehall, where campaigners left children's shoes at the Cenotaph and handed in a 30,000-strong petition to Downing Street calling for an immediate ceasefire.

The marchers proceeded to Parliament Square, where a rally will be held. Organisers said up to 50,000 protesters took part in the demonstration.