UPDATE 2 - Israeli airstrike kills 15 in central Beirut

UPDATES WITH DEATH TOLL; REVISES HEADLINE, LEDE

By Wassim Seifeddine

BEIRUT (AA) - The death toll in an Israeli airstrike in central Beirut on Saturday rose to 15, while 63 others were injured, the Health Ministry said.

The official Lebanese National News Agency said the strike completely destroyed an eight-story residential building on Al-Mamoun Street in Basta district.

Rescue teams and emergency responders were working to recover bodies and assist survivors in the rubble. Several of those injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, where some remain in critical condition.

Israel has engaged in cross-border warfare with Lebanon, launching an air campaign in late September against what it claims are Hezbollah targets.

Over 3,600 people have been killed by Israeli attacks in Lebanon, with more than 15,300 injured and over 1 million displaced since last October, according to Lebanese health authorities.

Tel Aviv expanded the conflict by launching a ground assault into southern Lebanon on Oct. 1.

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi and Rania Abu Shamala