Israel bombed financial institutions linked to Hezbollah in Lebanon

Lebanon's National News Agency reported late Sunday that Israel struck a branch of a financial association linked to Hezbollah, one of which was close to Lebanon's only airport.

Hundreds of Beirut residents fled their homes and explosions were heard across Beirut. Reuters reported at least 10 explosions in Beirut.

In a statement posted on the X social media platform early Sunday, an IDF spokesman informed Lebanese residents that the IDF would begin attacking the infrastructure of Hezbollah's Al-Qard Al-Hassan Association and urged residents to evacuate immediately.

The attack marked an expansion of Israel's operations against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group. Israel and Hezbollah have been fighting across the border for the past year, but this escalated into a full-scale war in September.

Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) said at least three branches of the Qad Hassan Association in southern Beirut were hit, while another attack took place in the Bekaa region in eastern Lebanon.

NNA said there was also bombing near Beirut airport. The airport is Lebanon's main entry point for humanitarian aid and a major evacuation center for people fleeing the conflict.

AFP reported that videos circulating on social media networks showed an entire building collapsing, but AFP could not independently verify the authenticity of the videos.

Israel has accused the Qad Hassan Association of funding Hezbollah operations against Israel.

The United States says the Qad Hassan Association is used by Iran to manage its finances and has more than 30 branches across Lebanon, including 15 in densely populated downtown Beirut and Beirut suburbs.

There was no immediate statement from the Qad Hassan Association, Hezbollah or the Lebanese government.