Fighting drags on

Sources: The Associated Press, Reuters, BBC, Los Angeles Times reporting / July 21, 2006

Military action continued to trump diplomacy as the Israeli-Hezbollah battle ended its ninth day.

Lebanon: Israeli troops cross the border for a second time in as many days, engaging in daylong battles with Hezbollah fighters along Lebanon's southern edge. Israel's air force again strikes targets in south Beirut, as well as in the Bekaa Valley.

Israel: Hezbollah continues to fire rockets into Israel, but at a diminished pace. No casualties are reported.

Gaza Strip: Three Palestinians are killed by gunfire and airstrikes in and around a central Gaza refugee camp.

Evacuations: A small contingent of U.S. Marines arrives in Lebanon to help evacuate Americans. The warship Nashville leaves Beirut for Cyprus with about 1,000 passengers; helicopters were to fly out an additional 200.

Ground fighting: An Israeli army spokesman says cross-border incursions are limited and specific but that no options are being ruled out. Israel has warned that people south of the Litani River should leave the area and that trucks in the area will be suspected of transporting weapons and possibly targeted. Israeli leaders reportedly meet to discuss the size of any ground invasion.

Humanitarian concerns: The United Nations estimates that about half a million people have been displaced; 130,000 have gone to Syria and 45,000 need assistance. Israel says it will allow aid into Lebanon. Pope Benedict XVI calls for prayers to help the displaced Lebanese.

Diplomacy: U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan condemns the actions of both sides and calls for an immediate cease-fire. Israel says it would welcome any German effort to free two soldiers kidnapped by Hezbollah. Italy and the Vatican endorse a cease-fire. The U.S. State Department says Secretary Condoleezza Rice will travel to the region as early as next week.