In a significant escalation of hostilities, Israel has intensified its air strikes across Lebanon, specifically targeting financial institutions linked to the militant group Hezbollah. Explosions were reported in southern Beirut’s Dahieh district, a Hezbollah stronghold, as well as in the Bekaa Valley and other southern regions. Casualty figures remain unclear at this time.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued warnings to residents in over 20 areas of Lebanon, including 14 in Beirut, to evacuate locations marked for imminent strikes. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, IDF spokesman, stated, “Anyone located near sites used to fund Hezbollah’s terror activities must move away from these locations immediately,” highlighting the focus on financial infrastructures that allegedly support Hezbollah’s operations.
Among the targeted sites was the Al-Qard Al-Hassan association, a bank accused of channeling Iranian funds to Hezbollah for weapons procurement and operational costs. This institution, which has over 30 branches across Lebanon, has been under U.S. sanctions since 2007 for its alleged role in facilitating Hezbollah’s financial activities.
Reports indicate that strikes also occurred near Rafic Hariri International Airport, with visuals capturing smoke rising from the area post-explosion. As tensions rise, Hezbollah retaliated by firing rockets into northern Israel, targeting military bases and engaging Israeli troops stationed in southern Lebanon.
In the past 24 hours, the IDF reported an increase in projectiles fired into northern Israel, while also conducting “intelligence-based strikes” against Hezbollah’s command and weapons facilities in Beirut. The military asserts it is taking measures to minimize civilian casualties, despite accusations from Hezbollah and Lebanese officials of targeting non-combatants.
The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) condemned the IDF for allegedly demolishing UN observation posts and assets, labeling such actions as violations of international law and Security Council resolution 1701.
In a tragic development, the Lebanese army reported that three of its soldiers lost their lives due to an Israeli air strike in Nabatieh, marking a rare involvement of Lebanese military personnel in the ongoing conflict. Historically, the Lebanese army has refrained from direct engagement in cross-border skirmishes between Israel and Hezbollah.
Both Hezbollah and Hamas, the latter currently engaged in conflict in the Gaza Strip, receive support from Iran. Lebanese officials estimate that over 2,400 individuals have died in the past year due to escalating violence, while Israel reports 59 fatalities in northern Israel and the occupied Golan Heights during the same period.
As the situation continues to develop, the international community remains vigilant, calling for de-escalation and a return to dialogue amidst rising tensions in the region.
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