LIVE: Israel declares 'new phase of war' as at least '14' more killed in second day of deadly explosions in Lebanon

Keir Starmer has been briefed and is monitoring events closely following the blasts.

Downing Street described the situation as "deeply concerning".

UN security general Antonio Guterres said the blasts appeared to be a precursor for something bigger between Israel and Hezbollah.

"The logic of making all these devices explode is to do it as a pre-emptive strike before a major military operation," he said.

"These events confirm that there is a serious risk of a dramatic escalation in Lebanon and everything must be done to avoid that escalation."

Militant group Hezbollah is yet to comment on the second wave of explosions that hit Lebanon today.

Yesterday, the group vowed it would respond to the operation, pinning the blame on Israel. 

Israel's former PM has told LBC the country could be moving its focus away from Gaza and towards Lebanon.

"After 11 months, too long, we are coming to an end of the war in the Gaza strip," Ehud Barak told Andrew Marr.

"Hamas are still there but they are basically destroyed. 

He continued, "And because Hezbollah has been attacking Israeli forces for months now...

"So many Israelis have been displaced - so a long consideration of the weight of response to Hezbollah... who has not stopped attacking Israel.

"They initiated the continuation of the clash".

The death toll from today's explosions has risen from nine to 14, according to Lebanon's health ministry.

For the second day in a row, devices exploded in Lebanon, injuring hundreds.

The number of injuries has risen to 450, up from 300. 

12 people were killed as pagers exploded yesterday. 

Israel's former PM has said the deaths of 20 people, including a 10-year-old girl, is a "pity" but not a "disaster."

Speaking to LBC's Andrew Marr on Wednesday, Ehud Barak said: "Even if some innocent people were killed, that's a pity.

"But unfortunately out of 5000 explosions, about 20 people killed. It's probably painful but that's not a disaster."

Images show a damaged car after walkie-talkies exploded in Lebanon today, killing at least nine people.

Former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak has told LBC's Andrew Marr he can not confirm that his country was behind this week's attacks on Lebanon. 

"Israel never took responsibility for this event, I can't add to this," he said.

However, he did confirm that Israel may be looking to move its focus from the Gaza strip to Lebanon. 

"After 11 months, too long, we are coming to an end of the war in the Gaza strip," he continued.

"Hamas are still there but they are basically destroyed. 

"But because Hezbollah has been attacking for months... So many Israelis have been displaced - so a long consideration of the weight of response to Hezbollah... who has not stopped attacking Israel. They initiated the continuation of the clash" 

Israel's former PM Ehud Barak has claimed the country has "no interest" in a full-scale war with Lebanon and Hezbollah.

Speaking to LBC's Andrew Marr, he said: "I think that a lot of consideration about how to respond to Israel - Israel doesn't have any interest in a full scale war with Hezbollah..

"Neither side wants that... but there has been a continuation of.. direct fire into our cities and towns along the border for 10 months.

"As long as this does not stop...there will be an operation to put an end to it."

The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is "deeply alarmed" by reports of further explosions in Lebanon.

A spokesperson said: "The Secretary General urges all concerned actors to exercise maximum restraint to avert any further escalation."

Earlier today, Guterres urged all parties to avoid further escalation.

"The logic of making all these devices explode is to do it as a pre-emptive strike before a major military operation," he said.