Israeli army makes new incursion into Lebanon

JERUSALEM, July 31 (Reuters) Israeli forces made a new incursion across the border into southern Lebanon in the Aita Al-Shaab area today, an army spokesman said.

''There is an operation going on over there -- this is the first time troops have been in this area,'' the spokesman said, adding he was checking reports on exchanges of fire.

Hizbollah said its guerrillas were engaging the advancing force in fierce fighting.

Israel mostly suspended air strikes on southern Lebanon for 48 hours after an attack on the village of Qana killed at least 54 civilians on Sunday. But the army said the suspension did not affect ground operations.

Reuters SKU DB2134