Israel’s military struck branches of a banking system in Beirut linked to Hezbollah, causing hundreds of residents to flee their homes in the southern suburbs. Witnesses reported hearing at least 10 blasts, with one building in the Chiyah neighborhood being reduced to rubble. Fortunately, there were no casualties as people had evacuated the area beforehand.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) targeted Al-Qard Al-Hassan Association, a US-sanctioned financial organization with more than 30 branches across Lebanon, including densely populated areas in central Beirut and its suburbs. Lebanon’s National news agency reported 11 strikes in southern Beirut, focusing on Al-Qard Al-Hassan, as well as other locations in the Bekaa valley and the country’s south.
The US has accused Al-Qard al-Hassan of being used by Iran-backed Hezbollah to manage finances, providing loans and services primarily to the militia group’s supporters. IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee warned Lebanese residents to stay away from the targeted infrastructure, alleging that the association was financing Hezbollah’s terrorist activities against Israel.
Israel’s intensified military campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon follow the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, raising hopes for ceasefire negotiations. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon were being increased to prevent the group from using locations as launchpads for attacks on Israel. Additionally, about 70 projectiles were fired from Lebanon into Israel, with some being intercepted by the military.
In a separate incident, the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (Unifil) reported that an Israeli army bulldozer had deliberately demolished an observation tower and perimeter fence in southern Lebanon. Unifil emphasized the importance of respecting the safety and security of UN personnel and property, as well as the inviolability of UN premises.
World powers are monitoring Israel’s response to Iranian strikes on the country on 1 October, carried out in support of Tehran’s Lebanese ally. Recently, leaked top-secret US documents revealed alleged details about Israel’s plans to attack Iran, adding another layer of complexity to the situation in the region.
