Israel began bombing Lebanese branches of an association accused of financing the Hezbollah movement, Lebanese state media reported late, a further escalation of Israel’s nearly month-long operation against the fighters.

The National News Agency reported 11 strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, many of them targeting Al-Qard Al-Hassan. Other strikes hit the association in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley and in the country’s south, NNA added.

It also reported that a strike had landed near Beirut’s airport, the main entry point of humanitarian assistance to the country and a major evacuation hub for those fleeing the conflict.

AFP footage showed large plumes of smoke rising close to the facility.