The decision by Lebanon’s foreign ministry has heightened fears of internal instability. Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group and political party, was quick to condemn the move.

A 4-year-old, a professor and an aid worker are among those killed in separate airstrikes as Israel pummels towns and cities, saying it is targeting Hezbollah operatives.

The 90-mile waterway, back in focus amid Israel’s renewed offensive in Lebanon, could define how far the fighting spreads.

Mass evacuation orders and an intensifying Israeli bombing campaign targeting the Iran-backed militia Hezbollah have caused a humanitarian crisis, aid groups warn.