'Al-Qard al-Hassan' branch in Saida evacuated

SOUTH LEBANON — An agreement between local traders, authorities, the Lebanese Army and the Mechanism Committee has led to the closure of a Hezbollah-linked Al-Qard al-Hassan branch in Saida. The institution’s name was removed from its Riad al-Solh Street building as part of the deal.

The move followed security threats that disrupted traffic on the busy commercial road, L’Orient Today’s correspondent in the south reported Thursday.

Coordination was also carried out to evacuate the floor occupied by the branch of all its contents, our correspondent reported.

According to Ali Al-Sharif, head of the Traders’ Association in South Lebanon, an agreement was reached between local merchants and the relevant authorities. He spoke to L’Orient Today on Thursday.

The deal was approved by the director of Al-Qard al-Hassan and known to the governor of South Lebanon and the Municipality of Saida. Under the agreement, the name Al-Qard al-Hassan was removed from the building and will not be used again. The branch is currently empty with no employees and not in use.

This decision came after the site was threatened by Israel two days earlier. The army had announced a new wave of strikes against Al-Qard al-Hassan branches, prompting authorities to block the road leading to the building in both directions.

The road is a vital economic route and a main street, and the disruption caused significant damage.

Accordingly, it was agreed with the bank’s director to remove the name from the building and keep it vacant.

At least 12 al-Qard al-Hassan branches were bombed by Israel since the conflict escalated between Hezbollah and Israel on March 2.

The institution is widely regarded as Hezbollah’s financial arm. Already under U.S. sanctions since 2007 for terrorism financing, it has faced increasing scrutiny from Lebanese authorities.

In November 2025, the Banque du Liban (central bank) issued a circular effectively prohibiting all financial institutions in the country from dealing with Al-Qard Al-Hassan.

Reporting contributed by our correspondent in the south, Muntasser Abdallah.