Diplomatic efforts to end the Israel- Hezbollah conflict gathered momentum today, as several European government ministers were in Jerusalem for talks with Israeli leaders.
The US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, is expected in the region early next week.
Israel's Defence Minister, Amir Perez, has said his country would accept the deployment of an international peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, suggesting it could be led by NATO.
However, the Israeli Minister for Tourism, Isaac Herzog, has told RTÉ news that while it is not their aim to launch a full scale operation into Lebanon, he could not rule it out and said Israel's priority is to dismantle Hezbollah.
It is hoped the diplomatic moves can bring an end to the fighting between Israeli forces and the militant group, Hezbollah.
Earlier, the United Nations Emergency Relief Co-ordinator, Jan Egeland, expressed shock that 'block after block' of buildings in Beirut have been levelled, and described the devastation as 'a violation of humanitarian law'.
Speaking during a tour of the Lebanese capital, Mr Egeland appealed to both sides to halt their campaigns, and urged Israel to allow the secure passage of aid into Lebanon.
Mr Egeland said Israel must allow aid corridors to be set up so his staff can deliver emergency aid to the worst affected areas of Lebanon.
He said half a million people needed assistance, and the number was likely to increase.
Israel has announced it will ease its naval blockade allowing supply ships to dock in Beirut.
However, Mr Egeland said the destruction of roads and bridges and the danger of attack meant the UN could not deliver the stocks it has.
The UN's top humanitarian official is also due to hold talks with the Lebanese Prime Minister, Fuad Siniora.
