Israel has expanded its military campaign against Hezbollah, targeting the Lebanese financial institution Al-Qard al-Hassan, which is linked to the group. To The Israeli military conducted airstrikes in Beirut and southern Lebanon, hitting dozens of facilities and sites, including branches of Al-Qard al-Hassan, in an effort to disrupt Hezbollah’s funding operations.
Al-Qard al-Hassan, a Hezbollah-linked financial firm, provides microcredit services in Lebanon, where the traditional banking system has been in shambles since the economic crisis began five years ago. Israel accuses the institution of financing Hezbollah’s “terror activities,” including purchasing weapons and paying fighters.
The recent strikes mark an escalation of Israel’s nearly month-long conflict with Hezbollah. On Sunday, 11 strikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs, with many targeting Al-Qard al-Hassan branches. Additional strikes hit branches in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley and southern regions.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant announced that the military is intensifying its strikes against Hezbollah, targeting locations the group planned to use as launchpads for attacks on Israel. The strikes also hit near Beirut’s airport, a crucial entry point for humanitarian aid and evacuation hub for those fleeing the conflict.
The Israeli military’s expansion of its raids beyond military targets has sparked concerns about the impact on civilians. The conflict has already taken a devastating toll on Lebanon, exacerbating the economic crisis and displacing many.
As tensions continue to rise, international efforts are underway to broker a ceasefire. The US envoy is set to hold talks with Lebanese officials to address the escalating conflict.
The situation remains volatile, with both sides dug in and determined to achieve their objectives. The international community is watching with bated breath, hoping for a resolution to the conflict before it spreads further.
In the midst of this chaos, Al-Qard al-Hassan’s role in financing Hezbollah’s activities has come under scrutiny. As a financial institution, it has provided vital services to many Lebanese, but its links to Hezbollah have made it a target for Israeli forces.
The conflict has also highlighted the complexities of Lebanon’s economic crisis and the rise of non-traditional financial institutions like Al-Qard al-Hassan. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this will impact the country’s fragile economy.
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