[MIDDLE EAST] The recent evacuation of a Beirut hospital has sparked international attention following allegations by Israel that Hezbollah has stashed $500 million in cash and gold beneath the facility. This dramatic development underscores the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, a Shia militant group based in Lebanon.
On October 21, 2024, Israel accused Hezbollah of hoarding vast sums of money and gold in a bunker located beneath Al Sahel Hospital in southern Beirut. The Israeli government released an animated graphic purportedly depicting the bunker, which they claimed had previously been used to conceal former Hezbollah secretary general Hassan Nasrallah. Despite these serious allegations, Israel did not provide concrete evidence to substantiate their claims, leading to skepticism from various quarters, including Lebanese officials.
The Hospital Evacuation
In response to the accusations, Al Sahel Hospital evacuated all its patients on October 22, 2024. The hospital's director, Fadi Alame, strongly denied the allegations, labeling them as false1. The evacuation was a precautionary measure amidst fears of potential military actions by Israel, although Israeli officials indicated they would refrain from attacking the facility directly.
Impact on Local Communities
The accusations and subsequent evacuation have caused significant distress among residents in the Dahiyeh area of Beirut. Israel issued warnings to inhabitants to evacuate at least 500 meters away from potential strike zones. This led to a mass exodus from the Ouazieh neighborhood as residents feared for their safety. The situation was further exacerbated by airstrikes that occurred shortly after the warnings were issued.
Airstrikes and Casualties
Around an hour after the warnings, Israeli airstrikes began targeting areas near Beirut. One notable strike occurred near Rafik Hariri University Hospital, resulting in at least four deaths and 24 injuries. Despite these attacks, operations at the hospital continued as it received casualties from the strikes. The Lebanese health ministry condemned these actions as part of a broader assault on Lebanon's healthcare sector.
International Reactions and Concerns
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. The situation has drawn parallels to similar incidents in Gaza where Israel accused Hamas of using medical facilities for military purposes. Such accusations have raised fears about the safety of medical facilities in conflict zones and the potential humanitarian impact on civilians.
Hezbollah's Response
Hezbollah has denied any wrongdoing and dismissed Israel's claims as baseless. The group accused Israel of fabricating evidence to justify its aggressive actions against Lebanon. Hezbollah's leadership reiterated their commitment to defending Lebanon against external threats while emphasizing their role in providing social services to Lebanese citizens.
The evacuation of Al Sahel Hospital highlights the fragile nature of peace in regions marred by longstanding conflicts. As tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue to simmer, there is an urgent need for diplomatic interventions to prevent further escalation and ensure the safety of civilians caught in the crossfire.
