5 siblings, some deaf, among dead in Israeli hits in Lebanon

An Israeli airstrike on the southern port city of Tyre left at least seven dead, among them five siblings, three of whom were deaf and mute, officials and a resident said Saturday. At least 20, including children, were killed in attacks since Friday.

Hezbollah said it fired dozens of rockets on northern Israel and shot down a drone over south Lebanon. There was no immediate confirmation from the Israeli military.

The health ministry said the strikes on Tyre late Friday night also wounded 46 people. It added that remains also were found in rubble and DNA tests will be used to identify the victims.

Youssef Jundi, a Tyre resident, said the airstrikes destroyed several buildings in the coastal city. He said that his long-time neighbour and friend, Ghazwa Dabouk, was among those killed. Dabouk's sisters Elissar, Rabab and Fidaa, who were deaf and mute, were also killed in the airstrike, together with Dabouk's brother Ali, who had autism.