More than 1,000 people have been killed and more than 1 million displaced by Israeli air attacks and ground operations in southern Lebanon, according to government figures. But residents and analysts believe a more significant push into the country is likely imminent.

The grim milestone, representing one fifth of the country’s population, was passed on the same day as the Israeli military launched a ground operation.

On March 16th Israel Katz, Israel’s defence minister, announced that the Israel Defence Forces ( idf) had begun a “ground manoeuvre” against Hizbullah in Lebanon “to remove threats and protect [Israel’s] residents in the Galilee.

The renewed war between Israel and the Lebanese militant Hezbollah group and the mass displacement because of the conflict are draining the joy from Ramadan and the run-up to the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr for many in Lebanon.

Experts explain what an expanded Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon could look like and how it may impact civilians.

By John Irish PARIS, March 19 (Reuters) - France's foreign minister will travel to Israel on Friday, in an unscheduled visit, after visiting Beirut on Thursday as part of efforts to reduce tensions in the region and secure a ceasefire in Lebanon.

The prime minister of Lebanon made an urgent appeal Thursday to President Donald Trump to intervene in the cause of peace, calling for an immediate ceasefire and direct talks with Israel.

The United States temporarily lifted sanctions on some Iranian oil in an effort to ease surging global oil prices.