Explosions rocked Beirut on Sunday evening after Israel issued warnings of imminent overnight strikes in Lebanon. Israel’s military announced plans to target Lebanon-based Hezbollah’s financial arm and strike a “large number of targets” in Beirut and other locations.
The explosions began in Beirut’s southern suburbs following the announcement by the Israeli military spokesperson, Daniel Hagari. Evacuation warnings were issued for parts of Beirut, with specific instructions for individuals to stay away from sites linked to Hezbollah’s activities. The strikes aimed to target al-Qard al-Hassan all over Lebanon, a unit used by Hezbollah to finance its operations.
Al-Qard al-Hassan, a sanctioned non-profit organisation, plays a significant role in providing financial services and support to Hezbollah operatives. Despite Israel’s decision to target it, the organisation assured customers that their funds were secure. The escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have raised concerns, with civilian casualties being a point of contention.
The United States has been monitoring the situation closely, investigating the movement of military assets and unauthorised releases of classified information. The conflict has intensified, with Hezbollah launching rockets into Israel, and Israel responding with airstrikes on southern neighbourhoods of Beirut. The Lebanese army has reported casualties, further fueling the violence in the region.
Lebanon remains caught in the crossfire, with the military unable to assert control over the situation. The ongoing hostilities have led to a dangerous escalation, highlighting the need for diplomatic intervention to prevent further bloodshed. International concerns have been raised about the impact of the conflict on civilian populations and the region’s stability. The situation remains fluid, with the risk of further violence looming over the Middle East.