IDF Issues Evacuation Orders Amid Strikes on Hezbollah Banking Systems

IDF Strikes Hezbollah Banking Systems and Issues Evacuation Orders

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have initiated a series of strikes targeting Hezbollah's banking systems in Lebanon, particularly focusing on al-Qard al-Hassan, a non-profit entity sanctioned by the US and Saudi Arabia. The IDF stated that this operation aims to dismantle financial networks that support Hezbollah's militant activities.

As part of the military operation, the IDF issued evacuation orders for 24 areas, including 14 in Beirut, warning residents of potential strikes throughout the night. IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari emphasized the intent to expose how Iranian financing is linked to civil institutions that mask terrorist operations.

In response to the strikes, al-Qard al-Hassan claimed that Israel's actions reflect its "bankruptcy" and affirmed that measures were in place to protect their customers’ funds. Following the evacuation orders, many Beirut residents fled their homes amidst rising tensions and imminent explosions.

Health officials report over 1,700 fatalities attributed to recent Israeli airstrikes, with a significant proportion being women and children. The recent offensive follows a year of escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, further intensified by a ground operation involving thousands of Israeli troops in Lebanon.

Simultaneously, Hezbollah retaliated by launching over 170 rockets into Israel, causing minor injuries from fires started by the strikes. While Lebanon's military has remained largely passive in the ongoing hostilities, international observers, including the US, express concern over the rising civilian casualties.

Amidst these developments, the US is investigating the alleged deployment of Israeli military assets in response to Iranian missile threats, highlighting the complex geopolitical tensions in the region.