As the fighting continues on both sides, Hizbollah has confirmed that the Israeli army has occupied a key border village. The Shi’ite guerrillas say three of their fighters were killed in the battle for Maroun al-Ras.

Mr Egeland, the UN’s emergency relief chief, described the destruction as “horrific” as he toured the city.

Sharon, 78, suffered a massive stroke resulting in a coma in early January.