Israel strikes Hezbollah financial institutions as Lebanon calls for talks

"The quasi-banking system, which operates outside the Lebanese financial system to provide interest-free loans and other financial services, has been under United States sanctions since 2007. Lebanese authorities also blocked roads and redirected traffic leading to the Al-Qard al-Hasan branch in Nouairi, a neighbourhood in central Beirut."

"While Israel has issued a warning, more often than not, strikes come without any prior notice. More strikes were reported from Beirut's southern suburbs, which have been largely emptied of residents after Israel issued forced evacuation warnings last week. Those affected by the forced evacuation in southern Lebanon make up almost 8 percent of the country's population."

"President Joseph Aoun said on Monday that he had informed the United Nations and the international community of Lebanon's readiness to resume negotiations to halt escalation, signaling diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing military tensions."

Israel conducted military strikes on Al-Qard al-Hasan, a Hezbollah-affiliated financial institution in Beirut, targeting multiple branches including locations in Bir al-Abed and near the international airport. The quasi-banking system provides interest-free loans outside Lebanon's formal financial system and has faced U.S. sanctions since 2007. Israeli strikes hit southern Beirut suburbs and central neighborhoods, with residents experiencing uncertainty as warnings often precede attacks inconsistently. Forced evacuations in southern Lebanon have displaced nearly 8 percent of the population. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced readiness to resume negotiations with international support to halt the escalation, informing the United Nations of Lebanon's diplomatic position.

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