Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora on Saturday called for an immediate ceasefire of hostilities to end Israel's "collective punishment" of the Lebanese people, local New TV reported.

In a televised message to the nation, Siniora said, "We call for an immediate ceasefire backed by the United Nations."

"I declare today that Lebanon is a disaster zone in need of a comprehensive and speedy Arab plan," he said, while pressing for an aid supply.

He also denounced Israeli "immoral collective punishment" of the Lebanese people, blaming Israel for "economic and humanitarian catastrophe" in Lebanon.

Siniora reiterated that the Lebanese government was "the sole legitimate decision-maker for making peace or war," in an apparent message to Hezbollah over its actions.

At least 90 people, most of them civilians, have been killed in Israeli attacks on Lebanon since Hezbollah militants captured two Israeli soldiers and killed eight others on Wednesday.