Israel Targets Hezbollah Financial Sites Amid Lebanon's Call for Peace Talks

The Israeli military has launched airstrikes targeting the Al-Qard al-Hasan financial institution in Beirut, Lebanon. This institution, affiliated with Hezbollah, operates outside the traditional Lebanese financial system, offering interest-free loans and other services. It has been under U.S. sanctions since 2007. The strikes occurred in the Bir al-Abed area and along the road to Beirut's international airport. In response, Lebanese authorities have blocked roads and redirected traffic near the affected areas.

Al Jazeera's Zeina Khodr reported that residents in Beirut are living in a state of tension, as Israeli strikes often occur without prior warning. The southern suburbs of Beirut, which have been largely evacuated following Israeli warnings, were also targeted. These evacuations have affected nearly 8% of Lebanon's population. The central Beirut neighborhood of Nouairi, now hosting many displaced individuals, has also been impacted by the strikes. Despite local authorities advising evacuation, some displaced individuals, including those housed in a nearby school, have chosen to stay.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has communicated with the United Nations and the international community, expressing Lebanon's willingness to resume negotiations to de-escalate the situation. The conflict reignited following a joint U.S.-Israel attack on Iran, a Hezbollah ally, which led to Hezbollah resuming cross-border attacks after the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Since the renewed hostilities began on March 2, Israeli air raids have resulted in over 400 deaths and the displacement of thousands across Lebanon. The Lebanese social affairs minister reported that 517,000 people have been registered as displaced due to the ongoing conflict. The situation remains tense as both sides continue to engage in military actions, with Lebanon seeking diplomatic solutions to halt the violence.