Beirut, Sept. 6 (Petra) -- Israeli airstrikes on areas of southern Lebanon Sunday morning killed four people and wounded 20 others, according to an initial toll from Lebanon's Health Ministry.

The ministry said in a statement that the strikes completely destroyed Ghandour Hospital in Nabatieh al-Fawqa and caused damage to the Finance Ministry building, calling the attack on the medical facility "an additional grave violation of international humanitarian law," which mandates protection for health facilities.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the renewed Israeli attacks on Nabatieh city and its towns, describing them as "a serious escalation" that goes beyond repeated violations of the cessation of hostilities agreement and the framework accord. He said the escalation now extends to Lebanese state institutions and service facilities that provide essential services to citizens, as well as hospitals and health centers.

//Petra// NQ