Lebanese Nonprofit Announces Reopening After Israeli Strikes
Beirut, Lebanon – Just five days after devastating airstrikes by Israeli forces, the Lebanese non-profit organization Al-Qard Al-Hassan announced it will resume operations at 16 of its branches across the country. The organization, a vital economic lifeline for many Lebanese citizens, had been targeted in the attacks.
Starting Monday, February 12th, 2024, customers will once again be able to access services at the reopened branches. "Starting tomorrow, Monday 12/2/2024, and just five days after the end of the attack," the Al-Qard Al-Hassan statement reads, "any customer or account holder in Al-Qard Al-Hassan can go to one of the branches mentioned [above] to do any service they ask to do, including withdrawing money."
The announcement brings a sigh of relief for many Lebanese who rely on the organization for essential financial support. In particular, those who have been making installment payments on gold Liras can now claim their full rights, according to the organization. "Anyone who has finished paying the price of a gold lirasin installments can go to the aforementioned branches to get their full rights," Al-Qard Al Hassan stated.
The attacks on Al-Qard Al-Hassan drew international condemnation, including from Amnesty International, which called them a "direct attack on civilian objects."
"The Qard Al Hassan Foundation is a non-profit financial association that has more than 30 branches throughout Lebanon, and is an economic lifeline for a large number of Lebanese civilians," Amnesty International said. They emphasized, "Industries like banking and finance are considered civilian subjects under the laws of war, except in the event of their use for military purposes. This makes Israeli attacks on financial institutions a violation of international law."
The Al-Qard Al-Hassan Foundation, licensed by the Lebanese government, played a crucial role in providing interest-free loans to Lebanese citizens.
In light of Lebanon’s economic crisis, which saw the banking sector collapse in 2019, and the ongoing U.S. sanctions on the foundation since 2007, Al-Qard Al-Hassan became a beacon of hope, enabling many to access vital funds for education, healthcare, and small businesses.
The recent events highlight the ongoing tensions in the region and the human cost of the conflict. The reopening of Al-Qard Al-Hassan branches signifies a step towards normalcy for Lebanese citizens who have faced immense challenges in recent years. Yet, the underlying issues and the precarious situation remain, adding another layer of complexity to the region’s delicate political landscape.
2024-12-01 20:04:00
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## Lebanese Lifeline: Al-Qard Al-Hassan Reopens After Israeli Strikes
**Beirut, lebanon** – Just days after Israeli airstrikes targeted several branches of the Al-Qard Al-Hassan foundation, the Lebanese non-profit organization is bouncing back, reopening 16 of its branches and resuming vital services for its citizens. this move brings a glimmer of hope to many Lebanese who rely on the organization for financial support, especially in light of ongoing economic hardships.
To understand the ramifications of these strikes and the resilience of this crucial institution, we spoke with **Dr. Karim Makdisi**, a political science professor at the American University of Beirut, and **Amal Mokdad**, a financial analyst specializing in the Lebanese economy.
### The Importance of Al-Qard Al-Hassan
**Interviewer:** Dr. Makdisi, can you explain the critical role al-qard Al-Hassan plays in Lebanese society?
**dr. Makdisi:** Al-Qard Al-Hassan is more than just a financial institution; it’s a lifeline for many Lebanese, especially those struggling to access traditional banking services. It provides interest-free loans for essential needs like healthcare,education,and small businesses,filling a vital gap in a country grappling with a severe economic crisis.
**Interviewer:** Ms. Mokdad,how has the closure of these branches impacted the Lebanese people?
**Ms. Mokdad:** The impact has been important. many people rely on these branches for daily financial transactions, loan repayments, and access to their savings. The closure has caused considerable disruption and added to the already immense stress caused by Lebanon’s economic woes.
### The Legality and Consequences of Targeting Financial Institutions
**Interviewer:** Dr. Makdisi,what are the international legal ramifications of targeting a civilian organization like Al-Qard Al-Hassan?
**Dr. Makdisi:** Amnesty International rightly condemned these attacks as a direct assault on civilian infrastructure. International law clearly prohibits the targeting of civilian objects, including financial institutions, except in cases of direct military use. This raises serious questions about the proportionality and legality of the Israeli airstrikes.
**Interviewer:** Ms. Mokdad, what are the potential economic implications of these attacks beyond the immediate disruption?
**Ms. Mokdad:** Beyond the immediate hardship, these strikes can erode trust in Lebanon’s financial system, discourage investment, and hinder the country’s already fragile recovery. Such actions create a climate of uncertainty and fear, further destabilizing an already vulnerable economy.
### A Return to Normalcy Amidst Uncertainty
**Interviewer:** dr.Makdisi, what does the reopening of Al-Qard Al-Hassan branches signify in the larger context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
**dr. Makdisi:** It’s a testament to the resilience of the Lebanese people and their determination to rebuild their lives amidst ongoing conflict. However,it’s crucial to remember that these are fragile gains. The underlying political and economic challenges remain unresolved, and the potential for further violence and instability continues to loom large.
**Interviewer:** Ms. Mokdad, what are your predictions for the future of Al-Qard Al-Hassan and its role in Lebanon’s recovery?
**Ms. Mokdad:** Al-Qard Al-Hassan has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to serving the Lebanese people. However, its continued operation hinges on a stable political surroundings and economic recovery. The international community must play a crucial role in supporting both these factors to ensure that institutions like Al-Qard Al-Hassan can thrive and contribute to Lebanon’s long-term stability.
**The resilience of Al-Qard Al-Hassan exemplifies the indomitable spirit of the Lebanese people in the face of adversity. However, these events serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for a lasting political solution and sustainable economic recovery in Lebanon.**
**What are your thoughts on the reopening of Al-Qard Al-Hassan? Share your opinions in the comments below.** For more on the Lebanese economy and the impact of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, read our articles on [Insert relevant article links].
