Amnesty: Al-Qard al-Hassan institutions not military targets
4 Min Read
Amnesty's Erika Guevara Rosas, a senior director, says "Israel" targeted an institution that is an "economic lifeline for countless Lebanese civilians."
-
Al-Qard al-Hassan documents scattered in the Southern Suburb of Beirut on Monday after Israeli airstrikes (AP)
Amnesty International has called for an investigation into the Israeli military's attacks on Qard al-Hassan, a non-profit financial association, asserting that these actions likely violate international humanitarian law and may constitute a war crime. Under the laws of war, financial institution branches are considered civilian objects unless used for military purposes.
During the Israeli late-night aggression on Sunday, Lebanese media reported that the al-Qard al-Hassan financial institutions were targeted in Hermel and Baalbek after Israeli evacuation orders were issued for those areas.
Moreover, Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) reported 11 airstrikes on Beirut's Southern Suburb, many aimed at al-Qard al-Hassan, with one strike landing near the Beirut airport—the main entry point for humanitarian aid to the country.
The NNA added that the strike in Baalbek targeted a commercial market that housed a building previously used by al-Qard al-Hassan.
Amnesty's Erika Guevara Rosas, a senior director, expressed that "Israel" targeted an institution that is an "economic lifeline for countless Lebanese civilians," adding that evacuation warnings that were issued less than an hour before the strikes are proof of Israeli "disregard for international humanitarian law. Even if as the Israeli military alleges, the institution does provide financing to Hezbollah, it is not likely to meet the definition of a military objective, particularly for branches serving civilian customers."
Rosas continued, detailing how an investigation should swiftly take place and calling on the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) to take "all necessary steps to safeguard civilian lives and strictly adhere to international humanitarian law."
The IOF must "maintain a clear distinction between military objectives and civilian objects at all times. Israel must abandon a definition of military objectives that is so broad as to include branches of a financial institution," Rosas concluded.
According to customary international humanitarian law, an object can only be designated as a military target if it contributes to military action due to its location, nature, purpose, or use, and its destruction must give a clear military advantage in the given circumstances.
Direct strikes on "civilian objects", including houses, companies, and stores, are absolutely prohibited under international humanitarian law unless the buildings are being exploited for military reasons. Amnesty described that a civilian facility or its occupants are not military objectives just because they have ties to Hezbollah.
Many of al-Qard al-Hassan's branches and offices are located in highly populated residential neighborhoods, which compelled hundreds of civilians to flee.
UN condemns Israeli attacks on al-Qard al-Hassan as unlawful under IHL
The UN Human Rights Office issued a strong condemnation on Monday regarding the extensive damage inflicted on civilian objects following recent attacks on the al-Qard al-Hassan financial association.
"We condemn the heavy Israeli bombardment of various urban and residential areas in the southern Beirut suburbs, south Lebanon, and Bekaa in the past 24 hours," the office stated, detailing how Israeli occupation forces (IOF) alleged the strikes were due to the association's alleged involvement in the financing of the Lebanese Resistance movement, Hezbollah's activities against "Israel".
The UN emphasized that these attacks resulted in significant destruction to residential properties, civilian infrastructure, and businesses, leading to "indescribable panic and another wave of displacement among residents of those areas."
According to the statement, under international humanitarian law, objects that contribute economically to a war cannot be targeted for that reason since they do not meet the criteria for a military objective.
"Civilians and civilian infrastructure are not a target. This spiraling violence must end. A ceasefire and a return to the negotiating table is essential to serve the needs of the civilian population and advance regional stability," the statement concluded.
What is al-Qard al-Hassan?
Al-Qard al-Hassan is a social institution focused on providing loans to individuals for specific periods to support their economic needs and services. It was established in 1982 following the Israeli war on Lebanon by Hussein al-Shami.
In recent years, the institution has expanded by opening several branches across most Lebanese regions, operating as a licensed institution under the Lebanese government.
However, the US government has imposed sanctions on the institution as part of the financial siege targeting Hezbollah and its social network. Additionally, it has faced incitement over the years from US media, as well as Western and Arab outlets.
