The Swiss government has called on the parties in Lebanon to cease hostilities immediately.

In a statement on Friday, the foreign ministry appealed for "an unconditional restart to political dialogue without delay".

Lebanon's Iranian-backed Hezbollah group took control of the Muslim half of Beirut earlier on Friday, tightening its grip on the city in a major blow to the government.

Security sources said at least 11 people had been killed and 30 wounded in three days of battles between pro-government gunmen and fighters loyal to Hezbollah.

The fighting, the worst internal strife since the 1975-90 civil war, was triggered this week after the government targeted Hezbollah's military communications network.

Around 900 Swiss are registered with the Swiss embassy in Beirut as currently living in the country.

Since 2006, the Swiss government has issued a travel advisory for Lebanon, warning its citizens to avoid visiting the nation.