The Lebanese Red Cross has said that Israel has expanded its targets in its fighting with the Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, killing at least 18 people in its first strike on the Christian-majority town of Aitou in the north, Reuters reports.

The strike in the northern region hit a house that had been rented to displaced families, Aitou Mayor Joseph Trad told Reuters. In addition to the deaths, four people were injured, the Red Cross said.

Israel has ordered residents of 25 villages to evacuate to areas north of the Awali River, which flows through southern Lebanon, as it intensifies its attacks in the region.

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