Israeli strike hits south Beirut, at least 15 dead

BEIRUT, Aug 7 (Reuters) An Israeli strike hit a crowded area in Beirut's southern suburb today, destroying a residential building and killing at least 15 people and wounding 30, rescue workers said.

They said Israeli rockets hit the Shiyyah neighbourhood that has been spared in Israeli bombardment so far. Hizbollah's stronghold of Haret Hreik nearby had been levelled by air strikes over the past four weeks.

Rescue workers were still clearing the rubble of the destroyed building to look for more people believed buried alive, witnesses said.

Buildings in the street were also badly damaged, they said.

REUTERS dh rk0220