UN condemns Israeli attacks on al-Qard al-Hassan as unlawful under IHL
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According to the UN, the attacks have led to "indescribable panic and another wave of displacement among residents."
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A bust of the Iranian martyr General Qassem Soleimani stands in front of a destroyed branch of the Lebanese institution al Qard al-Hassan at the site of an Israeli strike in the southern suburb of Beirut on Monday 21, 2024. (AP)
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.
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 further added that the strike in Baalbek targeted a commercial market that housed a building previously used by al-Qard al-Hassan.
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.
