Qaddafi's Troops Enter Benghazi

BBC reports:

Pro-Gaddafi forces have attacked the Libyan rebel stronghold of Benghazi and their tanks have entered the city, a BBC journalist witnessed.

A jet also appears to have been shot down over the city despite a declared ceasefire and a UN no-fly resolution.

World leaders are meeting in Paris to discuss military action.

The rebel's leader has appealed to the international community to stop the pro-Gaddafi bombardment, but the government denies it is attacking.

Reports suggest hundreds of cars packed with people were fleeing the city eastwards as fighting spread.

"Now there is a bombardment by artillery and rockets on all districts of Benghazi," rebel leader Mustafa Abdul Jalil told Al Jazeera television. "There will be a catastrophe if the international community does not implement the resolutions of the UN Security Council.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon says the world must "speak with one voice" on Libya.

The new UN resolution authorised "all necessary measures" to protect Libyan civilians.

The BBC's Ian Pannell saw the government tanks on a bridge inside Benghazi at around 1030 (0830 GMT).

Earlier, US President Barack Obama said forces loyal to Col Muammar Ghaddafi must stop attacking rebel areas or face military action.

"Gaddafi must stop his troops from advancing on Benghazi, pull them back from Ajdabiya, Misrata and Zawiya and establish water, electricity and gas supplies to all areas," he said on Friday.

Click here to read more.