Israeli airstrikes kill 18, injure 33 in southern Lebanon

BEIRUT, June 19 — At least 18 people were killed and 33 others injured in a series of Israeli airstrikes on residential areas in southern Lebanon early Friday, the Lebanese Health Ministry’s Public Health Emergency Operations Center said on Friday.

In a statement, the center said ongoing Israeli airstrikes had hampered rescue efforts and prevented the evacuation of victims in some affected areas, adding that the toll remained preliminary.

Lebanon’s National News Agency has previously reported that 16 people were killed in a series of Israeli airstrikes on residential areas in southern Lebanon’s Nabatieh district.