The unprecedented scale of destruction and victims in the Middle East proved the actions "went far beyond an anti-terrorist operation," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"In compliance with the norms of international law, the delivery of strikes should be limited to military facilities," the ministry said.

Israel continues to wage massive air raids and has imposed a sea blockade on Lebanon in response to rocket attacks by Hezbollah militants, who kidnapped two Israeli soldiers and killed eight others last week, sparking the latest crisis in the Middle East.

Israeli warplanes shelled a purported Hezbollah leadership bunker in south Beirut on Thursday as thousands more foreigners fled war-ravaged Lebanon.

Russia demands the immediate and unconditional release of all the abducted Israeli servicemen, the statement said, adding that it is ready to provide urgent humanitarian aid to the Lebanese people.