Crowds gathered to pay their respects, signaling Hezbollah’s resilience despite recent conflicts
Massive Turnout at Funeral for Hezbollah's Late Leader Hassan Nasrallah
Massive Turnout at Funeral for Hezbollah's Late Leader Hassan Nasrallah
Mourners Honor Legacy of fallen Hezbollah leaders, chanting and carrying flags
A significant assembly of mourners gathered in Beirut for the funeral of Hezbollah's former leader, Hassan Nasrallah, who lost his life in an Israeli airstrike in September. Clad in black, attendees flocked to the 50,000-capacity Camille Chamoun Sports City stadium on Sunday to honor not only Nasrallah but also his anticipated successor, Hashem Safieddine, who was killed in an earlier attack. The gathering witnessed the mourners waving flags, chanting slogans, and clutching portraits of both leaders amid an atmosphere of solemnity and defiance.
The funeral commenced at 13:00 local time (11:00 GMT). Prior to the event, Israel targeted Hezbollah rocket launchers with airstrikes in southern Lebanon. Nasrallah’s coffin, draped with Hezbollah’s flag, was carried through the sea of supporters, while recordings of his speeches resonated through the air. Current Hezbollah leader, Naim Qassem, addressed attendees via video link, emphasizing the group’s ongoing strength and refusal to yield to threats.
Among the mourners was 55-year-old Umm Mahdi, who articulated that attending the funeral was a critical show of reverence for Nasrallah, whom she described as having committed everything for his cause. His leadership, which lasted three decades, was pivotal in shaping Hezbollah into a major political and military player in the region. Under his command, the group forged essential alliances and supported multiple militant factions while securing armaments from Iran.
Nasrallah passed away at the age of 64 in Dahieh, a well-guarded suburb of Beirut, and was largely absent from public view in the years leading up to his death due to fears of an assassination. Following his demise, Hezbollah granted unprecedented public access for the memorial, signifying a notable shift within the organization.
The funeral served as a grand display of Hezbollah's solidarity, even as the organization faced intense challenges following last year’s conflict with Israel, which had resulted in numerous fatalities and significant territorial disputes in Lebanon. Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, remarked on social media that air operations were active during the funeral, indicating a stern warning to any adversaries of Israel’s stance.
The recent conflict led to substantial civilian casualties and dislocation, further complicating Lebanon's already tumultuous situation. Funeral attendees included representatives from Iran, Iraq, and Yemen, who came to honor what Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi labeled “two heroes of the resistance.” This event not only commemorated the fallen leaders but also reinforced Hezbollah’s determination to remain a formidable force in the region amidst ongoing unrest.
The funeral commenced at 13:00 local time (11:00 GMT). Prior to the event, Israel targeted Hezbollah rocket launchers with airstrikes in southern Lebanon. Nasrallah’s coffin, draped with Hezbollah’s flag, was carried through the sea of supporters, while recordings of his speeches resonated through the air. Current Hezbollah leader, Naim Qassem, addressed attendees via video link, emphasizing the group’s ongoing strength and refusal to yield to threats.
Among the mourners was 55-year-old Umm Mahdi, who articulated that attending the funeral was a critical show of reverence for Nasrallah, whom she described as having committed everything for his cause. His leadership, which lasted three decades, was pivotal in shaping Hezbollah into a major political and military player in the region. Under his command, the group forged essential alliances and supported multiple militant factions while securing armaments from Iran.
Nasrallah passed away at the age of 64 in Dahieh, a well-guarded suburb of Beirut, and was largely absent from public view in the years leading up to his death due to fears of an assassination. Following his demise, Hezbollah granted unprecedented public access for the memorial, signifying a notable shift within the organization.
The funeral served as a grand display of Hezbollah's solidarity, even as the organization faced intense challenges following last year’s conflict with Israel, which had resulted in numerous fatalities and significant territorial disputes in Lebanon. Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, remarked on social media that air operations were active during the funeral, indicating a stern warning to any adversaries of Israel’s stance.
The recent conflict led to substantial civilian casualties and dislocation, further complicating Lebanon's already tumultuous situation. Funeral attendees included representatives from Iran, Iraq, and Yemen, who came to honor what Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi labeled “two heroes of the resistance.” This event not only commemorated the fallen leaders but also reinforced Hezbollah’s determination to remain a formidable force in the region amidst ongoing unrest.
