This is the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service.

I'm Valerie Sanderson and in the early hours of Tuesday, the 1st of October,

these are our main stories. Israeli media are reporting that a limited

ground operation against Hezbollah targets has begun in Lebanon. Earlier airstrikes

targeted a suburb in Beirut.

U.S. officials fear as many as 600 people may have lost their lives

in the wake of severe flooding in the southeastern United States. Doctors in the conflict torn east of the

Democratic Republic of Congo are treating an unprecedented number of victims

of sexual violence there.

Also in this podcast... In the UK, drivers have to ensure that they are medically fit to drive and renew their license every three years

once they reach 70. So will this rule now change

after a 96-year-old driver was convicted of death by dangerous driving here in the UK.

As we record this podcast, Israeli media are reporting that a limited ground operation against Hezbollah targets

has started in Lebanon.

Tanks have been massing on Israel's northern border

and three areas there have been declared closed military zones. Local media reporting

airstrikes in a southern suburb of the capital Beirut coming after the Israeli

military warned residents to evacuate ahead of planned strikes on Hezbollah targets.

Earlier at the White House a journalist questioned the US President Joe Biden

about reports of an Israeli incursion.

Are you aware of that? Are you comfortable with their plans?

I'm more aware than you might know

...