A sign of Hezbollah-affiliated al-Qard al-Hassan on Oct. 21, 2024 in the southern suburbs of Beirut, the day after an Israeli strike. (Credit: Mohammad Yassine/L'Orient-Le Jour)
“Strong and resilient, it won't fall,” declared the statement released Monday, which was widely circulated on social media and amplified by Hezbollah's media outlets. A source within al-Qard al-Hassan confirmed the authenticity of the announcement to L'Orient Today.
“Despite the heinous campaign of destruction waged by the odious Zionist enemy … the institution is rising from the rubble,” proclaimed the statement, which featured an image of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. As of Monday, Dec. 2, 16 branches across Lebanon resumed operations, offering vital financial services to the community.
With 16 branches reopening as of Monday according to the press release. Reopened branches span multiple regions: Beirut, one branch in the central Noueiri district and five in the southern suburbs. South Lebanon, branches in Nabatieh and near Sour. Bekaa Valley, five branches, including locations in Ali al-Nahri, Baalbeck, Labweh, Hermel and Mashghara. Mount Lebanon, one branch in Souk al-Gharb and another in Kfar Sal.
Al-Qard al-Hassan stated that the remaining branches will reopen gradually and encouraged customers to utilize currently operating locations.
“All branches reopened this morning at 8 a.m.,” aal-Qard al-Hassan spokesperson told L'Orient Today. They reported a strong customer turnout, with operations running smoothly.
Al-Qard al-Hassan, subject to international sanctions, has been repeatedly targeted in Israeli airstrikes, particularly since the large-scale offensive launched on Sept. 23.
The first wave of bombings on October 20th struck branches in Beirut's southern suburbs, south Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley. On Nov. 26, just before the cease-fire, the Israeli army again bombed several locations, including some in central Beirut, after warning civilians to evacuate. At the time, Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee stated on X that they were “continuing to dismantle Hezbollah structures with force.”
This article was originally published in French in L’Orient-Le Jour.