Human rights group Amnesty International has condemned Israel’s recent targeting of branches of a Hezbollah-linked financial institution, stating that it likely violates international humanitarian law. The attack on al-Qard al-Hassan is being called a potential war crime by Amnesty, as financial institutions are considered civilian infrastructure under the laws of war unless used for military purposes.
Amnesty’s senior director, Erika Guevara Rosas, emphasized the importance of investigating the strikes, pointing out that even if the institution does provide financing to Hezbollah, it may not qualify as a military objective, especially when serving civilian customers.
Israel conducted strikes on multiple branches of al-Qard al-Hassan in Lebanon, claiming the bank funds attacks and issuing evacuation warnings before the strikes. Hezbollah spokesperson Mohammad Afif reassured that the institution had taken precautions and would fulfill its obligations towards depositors amid the conflict.