Israel Bombs Al Qard Al Hassan Branches, a Financial Organisation Linked to Hezbollah
Destruction caused by an Israeli airstrike on the souks of Baalbeck on October 20, 2024.

The Israeli army has been conducting airstrikes since Sunday evening in various regions of Lebanon. These attacks range from the southern suburbs of Beirut to the Bekaa Valley and southern areas. The targets are the offices of Al Qard Al Hassan, a financial organization that is under U.S. sanctions and is accused of funding Hezbollah.

"Al Qard Al Hassan is involved in financing Hezbollah's terrorist operations," stated Avichay Adraee, the spokesperson for the Israeli army for Arabic-speaking audiences, on X.

These strikes follow Israeli calls for residents to evacuate the areas surrounding this organization’s offices and branches.

Southern Suburbs of Beirut

More than 11 Israeli airstrikes have targeted the southern suburbs of Beirut, hitting Al Qard Al Hassan branches in Shiyah, Ghoubairi, Bourj Al-Barajneh, Tahwit Al-Ghadir, Haret Hreik, Ghobeiry, and Hayy Al-American.

Further airstrikes also targeted the Hayy al-Silum neighborhood.

Meanwhile, Lebanese army intelligence has established a security cordon at the entrance of Barbier Street, near the Gold Market.

A series of intense airstrikes continued, including two strikes reported in the vicinity of the old airport road. The Israeli air force also conducted strikes targeting the Marijah area and the old airport road in the southern suburbs of Beirut.

Additionally, gunfire was heard in Beirut’s suburbs as a warning for residents to evacuate homes located near Al Qard Al Hassan.

Bekaa Valley

An airstrike targeted the Al Qard Al Hassan branch in Hermel after the Israeli army issued evacuation orders for residents in the Bekaa, specifically in areas such as Baalbek, Hermel, and Haret Al-Fekani. The warnings extended to gas companies and schools within these regions.

South Lebanon

In addition to the evacuation orders, multiple airstrikes have targeted various towns.

Two airstrikes hit Tayr Debba and Yanouh, while another pair targeted Ma'aroub and Deir Qanun Al-Nahr. Similarly, airstrikes struck Arabsalim and Qlaileh.

Notably, two airstrikes targeted the city of Nabatieh and the town of Ma'arakeh, with additional strikes on the Al Qard Al Hassan building in both Tyre and Nabatieh, following Adraee’s warnings to evacuate specific buildings in Tyre, Shaabieh, Humin Al-Fawqa, Nabatieh, and Mashghara.

The Israeli military has also conducted airstrikes in the Kfar Kila forests using incendiary bombs and targeted the outskirts of Shebaa and the town of Qlaweih.

Mass Displacement Following Warnings

Following the Israeli army's threat to strike Al Qard Al Hassan branches, widespread panic has erupted in Beirut, leading to heavy traffic congestion throughout the city.

In response to these threats, there has been a significant wave of displacement from various streets in Beirut, as well as in Sidon and Baalbek.

Death Toll

According to a new report issued by the Ministry of Public Health Emergency on Sunday evening, 2,464 people have been killed and 11,530 injured since the start of the war.

Mikati on Implementation of Resolution 1701

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati affirmed that the Taif Agreement underscores the sovereignty of the state over all Lebanese territories.

In an interview with "Al-Hadath," he emphasized the importance of deploying the Lebanese Army to the south of the Litani River, stressing the need to preserve lives, prevent destruction, and implement Resolution 1701 in Lebanon.

Mikati noted that Hezbollah had previously agreed to Resolution 1701, but there have been no communications with the group since mid-last month. He reiterated that a diplomatic solution remains a viable option.

UNIFIL

An Israeli army bulldozer intentionally demolished an observation tower at a UN site in Marwhein, raising significant concerns for UN personnel and property.

In response, UNIFIL stated:

“Earlier today, an Israeli army bulldozer destroyed an observation tower and its surrounding fence at a UN site in Marwhein. We remind all parties of their obligations to ensure the safety of UN personnel and to respect the sanctity of UN buildings. This act constitutes a flagrant breach of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701, endangering our peacekeepers and violating international humanitarian law. Despite repeated requests for UNIFIL to evacuate its positions along the Blue Line and ongoing damage to UN sites, our peacekeepers remain in place to fulfill their mandated tasks.”

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