Israel launches strikes on 'Hezbollah's financial arm', as Lebanese flee homes

Israel's military said on Sunday evening that it was launching air strikes on branches of al-Qard al-Hassan, which Israel described as Hezbollah's financial organisation.

The organisation has 30 branches in Lebanon, including 15 in densely populated areas of Beirut. Across Lebanon, people who live near branches have been fleeing their homes. 

As of now, five Israeli air strikes have been reported in Beirut's southern suburbs, according to Lebanese media. 

Al Jazeera reported that an Israeli drone bombed a building in the town of Bednayel in the eastern Bekaa region.

Elsewhere in the Bekaa region, Israeli drones bombed buildings in Baalbek, Hermel and Ali al-Nahri, according to the report. Two more Israeli raids also hit Nabatieh and Maarakeh in southern Lebanon. 

Lebanon's National News Agency said at least three branches of al-Qard al-Hassan were struck, in southern Beirut and in Hermel.