Israel had said it was striking Hezbollah targets overnight and into the morning, while the Iran-backed militant group said it was attacking Israeli forces around the southern town of Nabatieh.

Rescuers continue to clear rubble in some areas, so the number of dead and injured may rise

The ministry also said Israeli artillery used phosphorus munitions during shelling of the hills of Ali al-Taher, Jabal al-Rafi'a, and the Iqlim al-Tuffah area

Israeli airstrikes and shelling in southern Lebanon resulted in at least 15 fatalities on Friday. Israel reported targeting Hezbollah sites, citing repeated ceasefire violations…