Beirut, May 15 (QNA) - Lebanon's Health Ministry said the number of people killed since the escalation of Israeli attacks on the country in March has risen to 2,951, with a further 8,988 injured.

Lebanese state media reported that Israeli forces demolished homes and property in the southern town of Khiam, where explosions were heard and smoke was seen rising from the area.

According to the National News Agency, an Israeli Apache helicopter fired a missile at the town of Mansouri, while Israeli warplanes carried out strikes on Deir Qanoun Al Nahr as well as the towns of Zrariyeh and Kharayeb.

Israel has continued military operations in southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire agreement that came into effect on April 16 for an initial 10-day period before being extended for a further three weeks from April 23. (QNA)