Hezbollah’s banking arm, Al-Qard al-Hasan, also operating as an alternative bank for Lebanese, was targeted around Beirut by the Israeli military with an intent to disrupt Hezbollah’s day-to-day operations, undermine its support in Lebanese communities, and hamper its ability to rebuild. The financial association was placed under US sanctions in 2007. It operates as a lender and financial services provider for civilians in many areas of Lebanon, where the traditional banking sector is in shambles. The strikes marked an escalation of Israel’s war against Hezbollah. Read more: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/20/world/middleeast/israel-strike-lebanon-hezbollah.html

Source: New York Times October 21, 2024 12:31 UTC