Israeli strikes on Sunday targeted multiple branches of Al-Qard Al-Hassan, a financial association linked to Hezbollah, according to Lebanese state media, marking an escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group. The strikes, which also hit areas near Lebanon’s main airport in Beirut, came after the Israeli military warned it would target the group’s infrastructure, which it claims is a key financial conduit for Hezbollah’s operations.

The strikes are part of a broader Israeli campaign against Hezbollah following a year of sporadic cross-border clashes, which have intensified into open conflict since late September. The National News Agency (NNA) reported that 11 strikes hit Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut, several of which targeted Al-Qard Al-Hassan’s facilities. Israel has accused the association of financing Hezbollah’s military activities against Israel, further asserting that these operations are intended to cripple Hezbollah’s financial network.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant signaled an intensification of military operations against Hezbollah, telling Israeli troops that efforts were underway to eliminate Hezbollah’s capacity to launch attacks from Lebanese territory. “We are destroying them in places Hezbollah planned to use as launchpads for attacks against Israel,” Gallant said.

In response to Israeli warnings, several explosions were heard in Beirut’s southern suburbs, with large fires breaking out in targeted areas. While there were no immediate reports of casualties, panic ensued across the city. Residents fled en masse, causing traffic jams as they sought refuge in safer areas.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) took to social media to issue explicit warnings to Lebanese residents, urging them to vacate any areas near Al-Qard Al-Hassan facilities. Shortly after, blasts reverberated across the capital, including near Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport, a crucial hub for humanitarian assistance and evacuations amid the ongoing war. Witnesses reported commercial flights continuing to land despite the nearby strikes, with plumes of smoke visible over parts of the city.

One of the hardest-hit areas was the Chiyah district in Beirut’s southern suburbs, where a branch of Al-Qard Al-Hassan was completely destroyed. Footage from the scene showed a flattened building as rescue teams worked to clear debris in a bid to find survivors. Israeli strikes also targeted branches of the financial group in other areas, including Hermel, Riyaq, and Baalbek in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley, as well as in Sidon and Nabatieh in the south.

In Baalbek, a market that previously housed Al-Qard Al-Hassan facilities was struck, leading to widespread evacuations after the Israeli military issued warnings to residents. Similar panic erupted in Sidon, where displaced civilians, already sheltering in school buildings, rushed to escape following Israel’s threats to bomb the area. Sidon’s mayor ordered the immediate evacuation of key municipal buildings and shelters housing displaced families, while local emergency services were placed on high alert.

The strikes on Al-Qard Al-Hassan underscore Israel’s determination to dismantle Hezbollah’s financial capabilities, which it views as critical to the group’s military efforts. The U.S.-sanctioned financial association has long been accused of operating as a front for Hezbollah, allowing the group to access global financial systems to fund its military operations. The U.S. Treasury has described Al-Qard Al-Hassan as a “financial lifeline” for Hezbollah, enabling the group to circumvent international sanctions.

When asked if Al-Qard Al-Hassan could be considered a legitimate military target, a senior Israeli intelligence official affirmed that the strikes were aimed at debilitating Hezbollah’s financial operations, both during the current conflict and in the longer term. “The purpose of this strike is to target the ability of Hezbollah to function economically both during the war but also afterward, when they will attempt to rebuild and rearm,” the official said.

The airstrikes represent an escalation of the conflict as both sides engage in increasingly aggressive military actions. As the war rages on, Lebanon faces mounting civilian casualties, infrastructure damage, and a deepening humanitarian crisis, while Israel continues to intensify its campaign to neutralize Hezbollah’s influence and capabilities in the region.

On Saturday, tensions escalated across multiple fronts as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence was targeted by a drone attack, while intense airstrikes in Gaza claimed the lives of at least 21 civilians, including children, according to local medical officials. The Israeli government confirmed the attack on Netanyahu’s home in Caesarea, though neither he nor his wife were present at the time, and no casualties were reported. The drone was launched as Israel’s war with Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza intensified, signaling a dangerous new phase in the conflict.

This latest assault on Israeli soil coincides with a broader, more sustained exchange of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group operating from Lebanon. Hezbollah, a close ally of Hamas, has pledged to increase its missile and drone strikes against Israel. Over 55 projectiles were fired at northern Israel from Lebanon on Saturday morning alone, though many were intercepted by Israel’s defense systems. In response, Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah’s infrastructure, including the assassination of Nasser Rashid, a key Hezbollah commander in southern Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Israel’s air campaign in Gaza continues unabated. Hospitals in the region reported catastrophic damage, including strikes on the Indonesian Hospital in Beit Lahiya and the Awda Hospital in Jabaliya, causing widespread panic among patients and staff. Civilian casualties mounted as airstrikes also destroyed residential areas. In central Gaza, a house in the town of Zawayda was struck, killing at least 10 people, including two children, while another strike on the Maghazi refugee camp wiped out 11 members of the same family. The war has left much of Gaza in ruins, displacing around 90% of the population and causing a humanitarian crisis as residents struggle to find food, water, and medical supplies.

This conflict continues against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions, as Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed that Hamas would continue its fight against Israel, despite the recent killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Sinwar, who masterminded the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people, was a top target for Israel. His death, which Israel claimed on Thursday, may shift the balance of the ongoing war in Gaza. However, Hamas remains defiant, with leaders refusing to negotiate the release of hostages taken in last year’s raid until Israel ceases its military campaign in Gaza.

The potential for further escalation is high, with Iran publicly supporting Hamas and Hezbollah’s operations against Israel, framing the conflict as part of a broader resistance against Western and Israeli influence in the region. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, however, remains resolute, declaring that Israel will continue its operations until Hamas is destroyed politically and militarily, vowing that Sinwar’s death does not mark the end of the conflict.

Amid this violence, families of Israeli hostages are urging their government to leverage Sinwar’s killing to negotiate the return of their loved ones. Around 100 hostages are believed to remain in Gaza, though the Israeli military estimates that at least 30 are already dead. The families’ pleas underscore the human toll of a conflict that shows no signs of abating. While international leaders express hope that Sinwar’s death could lead to de-escalation, the war’s trajectory remains uncertain, with both Israel and Hamas entrenched in their positions.

As the violence rages on, it’s clear that the death of Sinwar may have shifted the tactical dynamics on the ground, but the war’s broader political and humanitarian consequences are likely to be felt for much longer.

The reported death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar marks a significant turning point in the Gaza conflict, offering both hope and peril. On one hand, the removal of the man responsible for orchestrating the October 7 attack on Israel—a tragedy that claimed over 1,200 lives and led to the abduction of more than 250 hostages—has been hailed by U.S. and Israeli officials as a victory in the ongoing counterterrorism campaign. President Joe Biden lauded the operation, emphasizing the need to now turn toward diplomacy and ending the war. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also underscored Sinwar’s removal as an important achievement, while reaffirming America’s commitment to peace and the release of the remaining hostages.

However, the assassination also ushers in a period of uncertainty. Sinwar was not just a leader; he embodied a particular brand of leadership within Hamas, one that proved highly resistant to any diplomatic negotiations. His death leaves a leadership vacuum in an already volatile region, and it remains unclear who will take control of the organization. Analysts point to figures like Khaled Mashaal in Qatar or Sinwar’s brother Mohammed as potential successors, but their capacity to exert influence on the ground in Gaza may be limited. The power struggle within Hamas, and the broader question of who will govern Gaza post-conflict, introduces new layers of complexity.

For Israel, this moment represents both an opportunity and a challenge. While Sinwar’s elimination may offer a sense of retribution, former U.S. officials like Dennis Ross caution that without a clear “day after” plan, the situation could spiral into chaos. Some experts suggest the Palestinian Authority (PA) may be the only viable alternative to fill the governance vacuum, but the PA has historically struggled to exert authority in Gaza. Should no credible leadership emerge, there are concerns that Gaza could descend into lawlessness, or worse, witness a resurgence of extremist factions.

The broader regional ramifications also remain in question. With Iran being a key backer of both Hamas and Hezbollah, there is fear that Tehran could escalate its support for these groups in retaliation. Already, Iran has fired ballistic missiles at Israel in response to Israeli operations targeting its proxies. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s next moves will be closely watched, as they may further inflame tensions.

Sinwar’s death may degrade Hamas’ military capabilities in the short term, but the conflict is far from over. The absence of clear leadership in Gaza, coupled with ongoing Israeli military operations, means that peace remains elusive, with the potential for insurgencies and regional escalation looming large. For now, the path to a resolution—both within Gaza and across the broader Middle East—remains uncertain, with significant challenges on the horizon.

The Israeli military is investigating whether a recent operation in Gaza may have killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, following the elimination of three militants in the area. Sinwar, who was named Hamas leader after the August 2023 assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, is believed to be a key figure behind the October 7 attack on Israel that escalated the Gaza conflict. However, Israel has not yet confirmed the identities of the militants killed in the strike.

In a separate incident, health officials in Gaza reported that an Israeli airstrike on a school-turned-shelter in Jabaliya killed at least 14 people, including five children. The Israeli military stated the target was a gathering of Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants, but the casualties included civilians, with many in critical condition. The ongoing air and ground offensive has led to significant loss of life on both sides, with over 42,000 Palestinians reported dead, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Israel maintains that its operations aim to target militants, but the toll on civilians has drawn widespread concern.

Meanwhile, in southern Lebanon, Israel’s military confirmed it killed a Hezbollah commander, Hussein Awada, as part of ongoing clashes along the Israel-Lebanon border. Israel also issued evacuation orders for parts of Lebanon, warning of further strikes. Lebanese officials condemned the attacks, with some accusing Israel of targeting civilian infrastructure. The escalating violence has prompted calls from U.N. officials for a ceasefire and diplomatic intervention.

Maher al-Assad, the younger brother of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has long been an enigmatic yet influential figure within Syria’s power structure. As commander of the elite Fourth Division, Maher not only oversees one of the regime’s most loyal military units but also plays a pivotal role in Iran’s growing influence in Damascus. His connections to Tehran and Hezbollah have drawn international scrutiny, especially given his division’s involvement in drug smuggling, arms trafficking, and its role in Syria’s brutal civil war.

On September 29, 2024, Israeli forces reportedly launched an airstrike targeting a villa in Yafour, a suburb of Damascus, believed to be frequented by senior officials of Hezbollah and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. The villa, allegedly linked to the Fourth Division, reflects the deepening military ties between Syria’s ruling apparatus and Iran’s regional ambitions. While Maher al-Assad was reportedly not present during the attack, the incident underscores his central role in facilitating Iranian influence in Syria. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, Assad had previously been warned that any weapons transfers from the Fourth Division to Hezbollah would invite Israeli retaliation—a threat that seems to have materialized in subsequent Israeli airstrikes near Damascus.

Maher’s prominence within Syria’s regime has evolved over the years. Born in 1967 as the youngest son of former President Hafez al-Assad, Maher initially appeared poised for leadership following the death of his older brother, Bassel, in a car accident in 1994. However, Maher’s reportedly volatile temperament, marked by ruthlessness and fiery outbursts, led to Bashar being chosen as their father’s successor. Despite this setback, Maher carved out his own sphere of influence, eventually rising to command the Fourth Division, which has become both a military and economic powerhouse.

Under Maher’s leadership, the Fourth Division is not only known for its fierce loyalty to the Assad regime but also for its involvement in Syria’s burgeoning drug trade. The division is widely reported to oversee the production and trafficking of Captagon, an illicit stimulant, which has become a major export from Syria to the broader region. This lucrative drug trade has cemented Maher’s position as a key figure within the regime, providing both financial resources and strategic alliances with Iran and Hezbollah.

Despite his loyalty to Bashar, Maher has not escaped criticism from within his own family. His sister-in-law, Majd Tawfiq Jadaan, who has aligned herself with the Syrian opposition, has accused him of playing a central role in the atrocities committed against the Syrian people. She has publicly denounced him as equally culpable in the destruction of Syria, comparing him to their father, Hafez al-Assad, whom she described as being steeped in “malice, cunning, and crimes.”

Maher’s close ties to Iran and Hezbollah have drawn attention from foreign governments, particularly Israel, which views the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia as one of its most significant regional threats. Israel has regularly targeted arms depots and military facilities in Syria associated with Hezbollah, seeking to disrupt the supply lines that funnel weapons from Syria to Lebanon. These airstrikes, often targeting areas under Maher’s control, reflect Israel’s broader strategy of limiting Iran’s reach in the region.

The international community has also taken action against Maher al-Assad. In 2011, the U.S. imposed sanctions on him as part of a broader set of measures aimed at the Assad regime for its violent crackdown on the peaceful protests that ignited Syria’s civil war. These sanctions targeted several of Bashar al-Assad’s relatives, including Maher and their cousin, Atef Najib, as well as Syria’s intelligence apparatus. While these measures have increased pressure on the regime, they have done little to deter Maher or his division from playing an active role in Syria’s war economy and its alignment with Tehran.

As Syria’s civil war grinds on, Maher al-Assad remains a powerful, albeit shadowy, figure within the regime’s inner circle. His military position, control over key revenue streams, and close ties to Iran place him at the heart of Syria’s strategic alliance with Tehran. Yet, this role also makes him a prime target in the region’s ongoing geopolitical conflicts, particularly in the eyes of Israel, which continues to launch preemptive strikes against Syrian and Hezbollah positions.

In a country ravaged by over a decade of war, Maher’s future remains uncertain. Though often rumored to have been injured or killed in previous attacks, he has consistently resurfaced, cementing his reputation as a key enforcer for the Assad regime. However, his deep involvement in drug smuggling and military operations, combined with his pivotal role in advancing Iran’s interests, means that Maher will likely remain a focal point of regional tensions for the foreseeable future.

The United States has taken a significant step in supporting Israel by deploying the advanced Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system to the country, along with about 100 American troops to operate it. This marks the first time U.S. forces have been stationed in Israel since Hamas-led attacks against Israel escalated the conflict in the region.

President Joe Biden’s decision to send THAAD is seen as a response to Iran’s increasing missile activity, particularly after Iran launched over 180 ballistic missiles at Israel following an Israeli strike in Beirut that resulted in the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Israel is reportedly preparing a retaliatory attack on Tehran, but the timeline for this remains unclear.

The THAAD system, designed to intercept ballistic missiles, is expected to enhance Israel’s existing air defense capabilities, which already include systems like the Iron Dome. It is a defensive measure, meant to protect against incoming missile threats, and not equipped with any offensive warheads.

Iran, in response, has warned that it will defend itself with no limitations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that while efforts were made to contain an all-out war, Iran has “no red lines” when it comes to defending its people and interests, a clear signal that Iran would retaliate if struck again by Israel.

On the ground, tensions remain high. In northern Israel, a Hezbollah drone attack targeted a training camp, injuring at least 67 people, nine of them seriously. The group has continued its operations across the Israel-Lebanon border, further escalating the conflict.

Meanwhile, the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which has been stationed in the region since Israel’s 1978 invasion of Lebanon, faces increasing pressure. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called on the United Nations to evacuate its peacekeepers from southern Lebanon, accusing Hezbollah of using them as human shields. Despite several incidents where peacekeepers were injured, UNIFIL has refused to withdraw, citing the importance of maintaining its presence.

The broader conflict, which began with the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, continues to unfold with heavy casualties. Israel’s ongoing operations in Gaza have reportedly resulted in over 42,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry. These numbers do not differentiate between combatants and civilians, contributing to the growing humanitarian crisis in the region.

Tensions between Israel and Lebanon have seen a notable shift following a conversation between U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last Wednesday. According to reports, Biden urged Netanyahu to exercise caution, particularly in reducing strikes on civilian-populated areas in Beirut, the Lebanese capital. Since the call, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has refrained from launching further airstrikes on the city, marking a change in the military’s operational tempo in the area.

The last major Israeli strike on Beirut targeted Wafiq Safa, a senior Hezbollah figure and close ally of the group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah. The attack took place outside Hezbollah’s stronghold in Dahieh, a neighborhood in the southern part of the city, where Safa was reportedly killed. Lebanese officials confirmed that 18 people were killed and 92 injured in the strike. This was the third Israeli strike on areas beyond Dahieh since the conflict escalated.

Biden’s intervention reportedly focused on avoiding harm to civilians, especially in densely populated areas like Beirut. His administration’s stance reflects concern about escalating civilian casualties as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies. While there has been no confirmation from Hezbollah regarding Safa’s death, Saudi media reported that he was among those killed in the attack.

Despite the pause in airstrikes on Beirut, Israeli military operations have expanded in southern Lebanon, particularly near the Israeli border. IDF forces uncovered several tunnels, including one located near a border village, which the military believes were part of Hezbollah’s preparations for an invasion by the elite Radwan unit. The discovery of large caches of arms and equipment in proximity to Israeli communities has alarmed Israeli defense officials, who were reportedly surprised by the extent of Hezbollah’s military infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah has continued to launch attacks on Israeli cities, including Acre and Haifa, though no injuries or significant damage were reported from these strikes. The Israeli military has called on residents of southern Lebanese villages to evacuate as it expands its operations in the region.

The Biden administration’s diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict reflect broader concerns about a potential regional war, especially given the involvement of Hezbollah, a powerful Lebanese militia with strong ties to Iran. Iran, which remains a key player in the region, has escalated its own rhetoric and actions, including a recent ballistic missile strike on Israel, further complicating the situation.

As the conflict continues, Israel’s strategic restraint in Beirut appears to be part of a broader balancing act, managing its military objectives while navigating international pressure, particularly from the U.S., to minimize civilian harm. However, with ongoing tensions in southern Lebanon and Hezbollah’s continued aggression, the risk of a wider conflict remains a pressing concern for both regional actors and the international community.

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah continues to escalate as the Israeli military issued an evacuation order for residents in 23 southern Lebanese villages. The affected villages, located south of the Awali River, have seen intensified fighting as Israeli forces target areas used by Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed group that has been launching strikes against Israel. Many of the villages are already largely empty due to the ongoing hostilities.

According to Israeli military statements, Hezbollah has been using civilian areas to conceal weapons and plan attacks, a claim the group denies. This conflict has worsened since Hezbollah began supporting Hamas in the Gaza war, which erupted a year ago. Hezbollah’s backing of Hamas, alongside its own attacks on northern Israel, has brought a sharp increase in military exchanges between Hezbollah and Israeli forces.

The escalating violence has displaced over 1.2 million people in Lebanon since late September, according to the Lebanese government, surpassing the number of displaced during the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war. The United Nations has also confirmed the severity of the displacement crisis, with more Lebanese fleeing their homes than at any point in recent history.

In retaliation, Hezbollah has continued launching missile strikes on Israeli military positions, with recent attacks aimed at a base near Haifa. Air raid sirens sounded in northern Israel as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted projectiles from Lebanon. On Saturday, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for targeting an explosives factory in Israel with a series of missile strikes.

The conflict has also drawn international attention due to incidents involving UN peacekeepers in Lebanon. Israeli strikes near United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) posts have injured four peacekeepers, sparking condemnation from U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres and Western governments. The Israeli military has pledged to review the incidents, while UN officials have accused Israel of deliberately targeting peacekeepers. Countries such as Ireland and France, which contribute to the UNIFIL mission, have expressed strong objections, with French President Emmanuel Macron stating that peacekeepers had been “deliberately targeted.”

Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict remain stalled, though Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati has called for a U.N. Security Council resolution demanding a full ceasefire. Meanwhile, Israel is preparing for a possible retaliation against Iran, which launched around 200 missiles at Israel earlier this month. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has promised a “deadly, precise, and surprising” response, despite calls from U.S. President Joe Biden for Israel to avoid actions that could widen the conflict.

As the fighting continues, the region faces mounting humanitarian crises, with thousands of civilians displaced and casualties rising on both sides. Despite international condemnation, Hezbollah remains entrenched in the conflict, and diplomatic solutions remain elusive.