An underground bunker allegedly containing hundreds of millions of dollars in Hezbollah gold and cash, believed to belong to the group’s late leader Hassan Nasrallah, is reportedly hidden beneath a major hospital in Beirut. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari claimed that precise strikes were carried out on Hezbollah’s financial strongholds, including the bunker under the hospital, to degrade the group’s ability to finance attacks on Israelis.
Israel launched a series of airstrikes on Beirut targeting the Al-Qard Al-Hassan Association, a banking system operated by Hezbollah. The attacks drew condemnation from the UN for causing extensive destruction to civilian infrastructure and displacing residents. The UN emphasized that objects aiding a party’s war effort cannot be targeted under international humanitarian law. Ongoing tensions between Hezbollah and Israel have escalated since last year, with Israel expanding operations against Hezbollah following solidarity with Palestinians and a new phase of conflict.
The IDF’s bombing campaign and ground incursion into Lebanon have resulted in casualties, with nearly 2,500 people killed by Israeli attacks. The situation remains volatile as both sides continue to engage in hostilities.