Israel Targets Hezbollah Financial Institutions in Lebanon

Israeli Military Strikes Al-Qard al-Hasan Branches in Beirut

The Israeli military has carried out strikes on two branches of the Al-Qard al-Hasan financial institution in Beirut, Lebanon. The targeted locations are part of a Hezbollah-affiliated charity that operates outside the Lebanese financial system.

According to reports from the National News Agency (NNA), the strikes occurred on Monday in the Bir al-Abed area and along the road to Beirut’s international airport. The Al-Qard al-Hasan quasi-banking system has been under US sanctions since 2007.

Residents in the affected areas have reported feeling “on edge” due to the lack of prior warning from Israel, according to Zeina Khodr, a reporter for Al Jazeera. Local authorities had previously ordered residents to leave the area, but many displaced people are choosing to stay near schools and other facilities.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has informed the United Nations and international community that Lebanon is ready to resume negotiations to halt the Israeli aggression. The conflict escalated after Israel and the US launched a joint attack on Iran, a Hezbollah ally. Since then, hundreds have been killed and thousands displaced across Lebanon.

The situation remains fluid, with reports of ongoing strikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs. The central Beirut neighborhood of Nouairi is densely populated, hosting many internally displaced people.

Source: Al Jazeera