Israel Escalates with Renewed Air Strikes on Southern Beirut

Beirut, The Gulf Observer: The Israeli army has launched a series of air strikes on Beirut, specifically targeting the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital. The strikes come after Israeli threats to bomb buildings housing branches of the Qard al Hassan financial institution, which is affiliated with the Hezbollah group.

Israeli warplanes carried out at least nine strikes within an hour, hitting Qard al Hassan’s branches in the neighborhoods of Hayy al Sellum, Borj al Barajneh, and Ghobeiry, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. The air strikes follow earlier warnings from the Israeli military, which stated that it would target “important economic assets” linked to Hezbollah.

Qard al Hassan, established in the 1980s as a charitable organization, has grown into a key financial institution for Hezbollah. The recent escalation marks a significant development in the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, as Israel continues to target what it considers vital components of Hezbollah’s economic infrastructure in Lebanon.

The situation remains tense as concerns rise over the potential for further conflict.