As France is hosting a summit tonight to consider military action on Libya, Pro-Gaddafi tanks have entered rebel stronghold of Benghazi with the city coming under attack. The government tanks were seen on a bridge inside Benghazi this morning and reports suggested hundreds of people were fleeing the city eastwards as the fighting continued. Reports also say , a jet appears to have been shot down over the city in spite of a declared ceasefire and a UN no-fly resolution.

Rebel leader Mustafa Abdul Jalil has appealed to the international community to stop the pro-Gaddafi bombardment, but the government denies claims of attacks. Jalil said there is a bombardment by artillery and rockets on all districts of Benghazi. He said there will be a catastrophe if the international community does not implement the resolutions of the UN Security Council. He appealed to the international community to stop this tyranny from exterminating civilians.

But a Libyan government spokesman Mussa Ibrahim said there had been no attacks whatsoever on Benghazi. He said they are observing the ceasefire and they want international observers to come. He quoted a letter from Col Gaddafi to President Sarkozy of France, UK Prime Minister David Cameron and Ban Ki -Moon saying the UN resolution has no authority because it is interfering in Libya’s internal affairs.

The British and French, along with some Arab allies, are expected to play a leading role in any initial air strikes. The French ambassador to the UN, Gerard Araud, said that he expected military intervention within hours of today’s summit convened by France. Besides, EU and the Arab League,Obama administration will be represented by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. British PrimeMinster Cameron, who is scheduled to meet Sarkozy and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ahead of the summit has said British war planes are being moved to bases in the region.

Earlier, US President Barack Obama said forces loyal to Col Muammar Ghaddafi must stop attacking rebel areas or face military action. He said Gaddafi must pull his forces back from Ajdabiya, Misrata and Zawiya and establish water, electricity and gas supplies to all areas. But in line with the resolution, Mr Obama ruled out using US ground forces.