Beijing/Moscow: China and Russia have voiced strong opposition to Israel's ground offensive in southern Lebanon, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urging restraint to prevent a wider regional conflict.

The Israeli military announced on Tuesday that it had launched a ground offensive targeting Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, following a week of intense air strikes that have left hundreds dead. However, the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon and Hezbollah both denied that Israeli troops had crossed the border.

China expressed its concerns about the escalating conflict, emphasizing its opposition to any violations of Lebanon's sovereignty. "China is highly concerned about the current situation between Lebanon and Israel... and opposes infringements on Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity," the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement. Beijing also called on Israel to take concrete steps to de-escalate the situation.

Russia joined China in condemning the Israeli military actions, urging Israel to "immediately" withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon. The Russian foreign ministry expressed solidarity with Lebanon, calling the Israeli operations an act of "armed aggression" and urging Israel to seek peaceful resolutions.

Both nations have warned of the potential for broader conflict as tensions continue to rise in the region, with Israel also conducting strikes on southern Beirut, Damascus, and Gaza amidst growing international calls for restraint.