Israeli warplanes struck branches of Qard al-Hasan, Hezbollah's financial institution, in Beirut's southern suburbs on Sunday, marking a new phase in targeting the group's economic infrastructure despite a ceasefire agreement brokered in November.
The strikes hit locations in Dahye, Ain al-Sikke, and Burj al-Barajneh, completely destroying at least one building housing a Qard al-Hasan branch. Video footage showed massive explosions in densely populated residential neighborhoods, with plumes of smoke rising above apartment blocks.
The attacks represent a significant escalation and a violation of the ceasefire, which was intended to halt hostilities following two months of intense fighting in 2024. While previous Israeli strikes since the ceasefire have focused on alleged weapons depots or military commanders, Sunday's operation deliberately targeted financial facilities embedded in civilian areas.
Qard al-Hasan—which translates to "good loan"—is a microfinance institution that operates as Hezbollah's banking arm, providing interest-free loans to thousands of Lebanese Shia families. The institution emerged as a lifeline for many after traditional Lebanese banks collapsed and froze depositors' accounts during the country's economic crisis. Israel and the United States have designated it a terrorist financing entity, claiming it channels funds to Hezbollah's military operations.
Residents reported that the strikes caused damage to surrounding buildings and injuries among civilians, though casualty figures were not immediately available. The humanitarian impact extends beyond immediate destruction: families who depend on Qard al-Hasan for basic financial services now face additional economic hardship as branches are destroyed and operations disrupted.
Lebanese officials have condemned the strikes as violations of sovereignty and the ceasefire. Hezbollah has not yet issued an official response, though pro-resistance media outlets described the attacks as evidence that seeks to continue its campaign of pressure against the group beyond military disarmament.
