Israel Expands Strikes on Hezbollah’s Financial Arm, Warns Beirut of Upcoming Attacks

Israel’s military announced a significant escalation on Sunday, targeting Hezbollah’s financial arm in Lebanon. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesperson, stated that the operation would hit “a large number of targets” across Beirut and other areas, focusing on Hezbollah’s al-Qard al-Hassan, a financial unit used to fund the militant group’s activities. Israel plans to issue evacuation warnings to civilians in areas surrounding these targets, urging them to leave immediately.

Evacuation Warnings Amid Hezbollah Financial Strikes

The Israeli military’s strikes are set to target Hezbollah’s financial network, al-Qard al-Hassan, across Lebanon. This unit is known to manage financial resources for Hezbollah’s operatives and arms purchases. Though the organization is sanctioned by both the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, it also provides financial services to Lebanese civilians, complicating the scope of the strikes.

Israel’s move comes after heightened tensions with Hezbollah escalated into full-scale conflict following the war in Gaza. Ground troops were deployed to Lebanon earlier this month, intensifying the conflict.

Lebanon’s Response: Soldiers Killed, Rockets Fired

On Sunday, the Lebanese army reported that three of its soldiers were killed in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon. While Israel has not yet commented on this specific incident, its military confirmed that more than 100 Hezbollah targets were struck within the past 24 hours, with ground operations continuing.

Hezbollah responded with a barrage of over 170 rockets fired into Israel. The Israeli rescue service, Magen David Adom, reported that three individuals sustained minor injuries from a fire caused by one of the rockets in Safed, northern Israel.

Israel has also ramped up its attacks on southern Beirut, particularly in the Dahiyeh area, which houses Hezbollah’s strongholds but is also home to many civilians.

U.S. Pressure on Israel as Civilian Casualties Mount

The rising civilian toll in Lebanon has drawn international attention. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed concern over the “far too high” civilian casualties and urged Israel to scale back its strikes, particularly in Beirut.

Meanwhile, tensions between Israel and Iran are also increasing. U.S. officials are investigating reports that Israel is mobilizing military assets in response to a ballistic missile strike from Iran. Israel has not publicly commented on these developments.

Gaza Conflict Continues: Humanitarian Crisis Worsens

In Gaza, the situation remains dire as Israeli strikes target Hamas positions in the northern parts of the Strip. Overnight strikes in Beit Lahiya left at least 87 dead or missing, including several families. According to local medics, the strikes flattened buildings, killing civilians, including children.

Gaza’s health care system is on the brink of collapse, with medics warning of a “catastrophic” situation. Israel maintains that its strikes are aimed at Hamas militants regrouping in the area. Still, the high civilian death toll has drawn increasing scrutiny.

Escalating Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

Despite international calls for a ceasefire, the war continues. With more than 42,000 Palestinians killed and nearly 90% of Gaza’s population displaced, the conflict shows no signs of slowing. Israel’s military operations are now entering their third week, with northern Gaza suffering the worst destruction. Jabaliya, a dense urban refugee camp, has become a focal point of Israeli military activity.

As the conflict rages on, international pressure on both Israel and Hezbollah continues to mount. With evacuation warnings in Beirut and heavy fighting in Gaza, the humanitarian cost of this war grows with each passing day.