Residents of some Akkar towns fled the area on Thursday to escape the fallout from clashes on the Syrian side of the border.

“Shelling targeted the outskirts of their towns, forcing them to flee their homes to safer places,” state-run National News Agency reported.

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati stressed on Thursday that Lebanon has not delayed in meeting the humanitarian needs of the Syrian refugees, but expressed his disappointment in the international community's dealing with the issue.

He said: “Lebanon is disappointed with the international community for ignoring the humanitarian needs of the refugees.”

Lebanese hunters on Thursday fired gunshots that targeted Israeli troops near the Metula settlement, which drew a response from the soldiers.

“Gunshots from Lebanon were fired at Israeli troops in the Galilee Panhandle area, causing no casualties or damage," Israel Radio reported.

Hizbullah deputy Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem voiced on Thursday his surprise with President Michel Suleiman's suggestion to form a government to stage the presidential elections even if it does not enjoy confidence.

He deemed such a proposal as unconstitutional.

Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Beirut Elias Audeh lamented on Thursday the divisions among the Lebanese people, saying that politics has corrupted them and Lebanese society.

He said: “The Lebanese people have not learned that their divisions will only lead to the destruction of all sides.”

Beirut Examining Magistrate Ghassan Owaidat on Thursday questioned for the first time the wife of Higher Relief Council chief Ibrahim Bashir in his office at the Justice Palace.

Last month, the judge issued arrest warrants against Bashir and his wife after they were charged with embezzlement of state funds, smuggling and money laundering.

Phalange Party leader Amin Gemayel, who is currently on a trip to the U.S. capital Washington, is expected to visit the Islamic Republic of Iran, al-Liwaa newspaper reported on Thursday.

According to the report, the invitation was delivered to Gemayel by Iran's ambassador to Lebanon Ghazanfar Roknabadi.

Caretaker Social Affairs Minister Wael Abou Faour expressed fear on Wednesday over the “disastrous” conditions of the Syrian refugees in Lebanon amid the winter storm hitting the country.

“We are incapable, the ministry is working through international associations to aid the refugees,” Abou Faour said in comments published in al-Akhbar newspaper.

Syrian refugee Faisal looks down at the muddy floor of his tent in a field in eastern Lebanon as it is battered by a snowstorm.

"I'd rather die a million times than live through this humiliation," the 48-year-old says bitterly.

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Miqati stressed on Thursday that there is no dispute with President Michel Suleiman over the possibility of reviving the caretaker cabinet.

Sources close to the caretaker premier called on the foes not to depend on reports saying that there is a dispute between the two officials.