According to reports from the Lebanese National News Agency on October 21, Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple branches of the Al-Qard Al-Hassan Association in Lebanon during the night of October 20 into the early hours of October 21.
An Israeli military spokesperson stated earlier on social media platform X that the Israeli forces would begin attacks on the Al-Qard Al-Hassan Association, urging civilians in the vicinity to “evacuate immediately.”
The Associated Press and Reuters describe the Al-Qard Al-Hassan Association, which translates to “charity loan,” as a financial service provider in Lebanon, often regarded by locals as a bank. The association operates over 30 branches across Lebanon and holds numerous accounts with major banks. It is reportedly closely tied to Hezbollah, which uses the organization to manage its finances.
A senior Israeli intelligence officer commented to Reuters that the aim of targeting the Al-Qard Al-Hassan Association is to undermine Hezbollah’s economic capabilities for rebuilding and rearmament during and after the ongoing conflict between Lebanon and Israel.
On the same day, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) issued a statement condemning Israeli forces for “deliberately demolishing” a lookout tower and surrounding fencing belonging to UNIFIL in the southern Lebanese border village of Marwahin.
UNIFIL emphasized that Israeli Defense Forces and all parties involved are obligated to ensure the safety of United Nations personnel and property, while respecting the inviolability of UN premises at all times. Violating UN camps and damaging UN assets constitutes a blatant breach of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701, according to the statement.
The statement also noted that the Israeli military had repeatedly requested UNIFIL to withdraw from its positions along the temporary border “Blue Line” and had intentionally damaged UN positions, yet UN peacekeepers remain steadfast in their mission.
Further reports from Al Jazeera and Reuters on the same day indicated that Israeli forces continue to strike areas in southern Beirut, attacking a Hezbollah command center and an underground weapons facility, claiming the action resulted in the deaths of three Hezbollah commanders. Israeli Defense Minister Gallant stated that the military is “destroying” Hezbollah.
The Israel Times reported that around 200 rockets were fired at Israel on October 20, although no casualties were reported.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Health Ministry announced that Israeli airstrikes on October 19 in the northern Gaza Strip’s Beit Lahia neighborhood have left 87 people dead or missing, with over 40 others injured. According to Reuters, this strike is one of the deadliest in months. The Hamas media office reported at least 73 fatalities, which the Israeli military has dismissed as “exaggerated.”
Al Jazeera noted that rescue operations in the region are hampered by communication disruptions and ongoing Israeli military actions.
Additionally, reports from the Israel Times on October 21 stated that Israeli forces intercepted a drone launched from Iraq into Israel, triggering alarms in the Jordan Valley as it entered the country from the east.
