The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis, described widespread panic in the country after evacuation orders were issued due to Israeli airstrikes on Al-Qard Al-Hassan (AQAH), a bank linked to Hezbollah. Numerous people fled their homes in fear, with some returning later after the airstrikes. Al-Qard Al-Hassan has been under U.S. sanctions since 2007 for allegedly being used by Hezbollah to manage financial activities and gain access to the international financial system, draining Lebanon’s financial resources. Israeli airstrikes on the bank marked an expansion of their war against Hezbollah, targeting residential buildings connected to the bank. Israeli forces also continued their offensive in northern Gaza, killing militants and dismantling infrastructure. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution to end the fighting in the region but admitted to having no direct contact with Hezbollah. The ongoing violence has led to a significant number of deaths and displacements in Lebanon and Gaza. The situation remains tense and uncertain as both sides continue their military actions in the region.
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