A million Libyans need aid as UK, France seek no-fly zone

A rebel fighter fires his rifle at a military aircraft loyal to Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi at a checkpoint in Ras Lanuf March 7, 2011. (Reuters/Goran Tomasevic )

RAS LANUF, Libya (Reuters) Britain and France said they were seeking UN authorisation for a no-fly zone over Libya, as Muammar Gaddafi’s warplanes counter-attacked against rebels and aid officials said a million people were in need.

Al Jazeera television said rebels had rejected an offer by Gaddafi to hold a meeting of parliament to work out a deal under which he would step down.

With civilians surrounded by forces loyal to Gaddafi in two western towns, Misrata and Zawiyah, fears grew of a rising