Al-Qard Al-Hassan: What the institution is and why it was targeted

Al-Qard Al-Hassan is a Lebanon-based quasi-banking institution linked to Hezbollah that offers interest-free microloans and other basic financial services, and Israeli forces have reported striking a building described as one of its branches amid renewed hostilities.

Al-Qard Al-Hassan is a Lebanon-based quasi-banking institution that offers interest-free loans and basic financial services. It was founded in 1983 and is linked to Hezbollah while serving people from across religious communities. Israeli forces reported striking a building in Beirut's southern suburbs that was described as a branch of Al-Qard Al-Hassan during an intensified campaign against Hezbollah-linked organisations. The institution became more prominent after Lebanon's 2019 banking collapse. Key facts: - Founded in 1983 and described as linked to Hezbollah, Al-Qard Al-Hassan provides interest-free microcredit and accounts to many Lebanese, including those without access to traditional banks. - The institution often handles smaller loans, commonly backed by gold deposits, and advertises accounts without traditional banking fees. - It is not regulated by Banque du Liban and is not part of the international banking network. - The US Treasury sanctioned Al-Qard Al-Hassan in 2007, with additional measures in 2021 and earlier this year, according to public reports. - Israeli authorities said they targeted a building reported to be a branch in Beirut's southern suburbs as part of broader strikes against Hezbollah-linked groups; many branches were struck during the 2024 escalation. Summary: Israel presents the strikes as efforts to degrade Hezbollah's institutional network, while some analysts and rights groups have argued that targeting civilian financial services raises legal and humanitarian concerns. Al-Qard Al-Hassan has played a practical role for many Lebanese since the 2019 banking crisis, so local effects on users are a highlighted concern in reporting. Undetermined at this time.