Beirut Residents Flee as Israeli Strikes Target Hezbollah-Linked Banks

 

Hundreds of Beirut residents fled their homes late Sunday as explosions echoed across the city's southern suburbs. Israel's military confirmed it was launching strikes on branches of a banking system tied to Hezbollah, intensifying its nearly month-long conflict with the militant group.

Eyewitnesses reported thick black smoke rising over Beirut following at least 10 explosions. A building in the Chiyah neighborhood was reduced to rubble, but those in the area had evacuated prior to the blast, resulting in no immediate casualties.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had warned civilians to evacuate areas linked to Al-Qard Al-Hassan, a financial institution with over 30 branches in Lebanon, including 15 in heavily populated parts of Beirut. The U.S. has sanctioned the organization, claiming it is used by Hezbollah to manage its finances.

Lebanon's National News Agency reported that the strikes hit several branches of Al-Qard Al-Hassan, along with locations in the Bekaa Valley and southern Lebanon. One strike occurred near Beirut's airport, a critical hub for humanitarian aid and evacuations.

IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee urged civilians to avoid Hezbollah-linked infrastructure, accusing Al-Qard Al-Hassan of financing terrorist activities. The U.S. Treasury Department previously accused the bank of illicitly moving funds through shell accounts to support Hezbollah.

As Israel ramped up its military operations in both Gaza and Lebanon, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced increased strikes on Hezbollah, targeting launchpads used to attack Israel. Earlier on Sunday, about 70 projectiles were fired from Lebanon into Israel.

Meanwhile, tensions escalated further when the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that an Israeli bulldozer demolished an observation tower and perimeter fence at one of its posts in southern Lebanon.

These developments come just days after leaked U.S. documents allegedly revealed details of Israel's plans to strike Iran, which supports Hezbollah. The situation remains tense as the conflict intensifies across the region.