Israeli strike kills 40 in Lebanon village-PM

MARJAYOUN, Lebanon, Aug 7 (Reuters) Israeli air strikes destroyed several houses in south Lebanon's border village of Houla today, and Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora said more than 40 people were killed.

''An hour ago, a horrific massacre took place in Houla village as a result of the intentional Israeli bombardment that resulted in more than 40 martyrs,'' Siniora told a meeting of Arab foreign ministers in Beirut.

Lebanese security sources said aircraft first destroyed a house where 17 people were hiding in the Hamameer district of the village.

Up to six other strikes a short time later hit four nearby houses where about 40 other people were staying.

Hizbollah guerrillas had earlier in the day attacked Israeli forces near the village, wounding five soldiers.

Residents said they feared up to 60 people, including many children, had been killed. They said most of the people were shepherds and their families who had refused to flee the fighting and leave their animals behind.

Security sources said rescue workers were unable to reach the scene immediately because of continued Israeli bombardment in the area.

An Israeli air strike on a building in the southern village of Qana on July 30 killed 54 people, mostly children, according to Lebanese officials. Human Rights Watch put the toll at 28 killed and 13 missing.

REUTERS SP ND1822