Pro-Gadhafi forces reportedly strike Zawiyah in bid to regain control

Libyan government forces on Monday struck at rebels in the east of the country and were reported attacking a town near Tripoli, as concern grew over civilian suffering and a growing refugee exodus.

The United Nations said more than one million people fleeing Libya and inside the country needed humanitarian aid, and conditions in rebel-held Misrata town were particularly worrying following attacks on it by forces loyal to Muammar Gadhafi.

Offering a potential olive branch to rebels seeking to end Gaddafi’s long rule, one of his associates appealed to opposition chiefs for dialogue, in a sign the ageing autocrat may be ready to compromise with the unprecedented revolt.

Read more at Haaretz.com.