Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral drew large crowds in Beirut, honoring the late Hezbollah leader after his death from an Israeli airstrike. Attendees expressed solidarity, mourning Nasrallah and his successor, Hashem Safieddine, also killed by Israeli forces. The event demonstrated Hezbollah’s resilience in the face of recent setbacks, with attendees including influential figures from Iran, Iraq, and Yemen. The ongoing conflict continues to shape the dynamics in Lebanon and across the region.
Large crowds gathered for the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah, the former leader of Hezbollah, following his death due to an Israeli airstrike in Beirut last September. Mourners in black attire filled the Camille Chamoun Sports City stadium, demonstrating their respect not only for Nasrallah but also for Hashem Safieddine, his successor, who was killed in a separate attack. Nasrallah, a prominent figure in the Middle East, was revered for his deep ties to Iran and his role in shaping Hezbollah into a significant political and military force.
The funeral proceeded despite ongoing tensions, as Israel conducted airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon on the same day. Attendees braved cold weather to pay homage, and Nasrallah’s coffin, adorned with the Hezbollah flag, was paraded alongside that of Safieddine, eliciting emotional responses from the mourners. Excerpts from Nasrallah’s speeches resonated with supporters, who chanted and carried portraits of the late leaders.
One mourner, Umm Mahdi, expressed that attending the funeral was a minimal tribute to Nasrallah, who she believed dedicated his life to the cause. Nasrallah had not publicly appeared for years prior to his death due to security concerns. His leadership marked a 30-year period that significantly influenced regional dynamics, as he fostered Hezbollah’s relationships with other militant groups like Hamas and obtained arms from Iran.
Nasrallah passed away at 64 in Dahieh, a highly fortified district in Beirut, and the funeral allowed unprecedented access to the public for a memorial event. This sizable gathering signified Hezbollah’s resilience, particularly after enduring significant losses during previous confrontations with Israel, during which many leaders were killed within a broader campaign of violence.
The ceremony was attended by officials from Iran, Iraq, and Yemen. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi honored the late leaders, referring to them as “two heroes of the resistance.” Israel’s Defense Minister noted Israeli surveillance flights over the event, asserting a deterrent message regarding threats to the nation. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensified, resulting in numerous casualties and displacement among the Lebanese population before a ceasefire was achieved in November 2024.
The funeral of Hassan Nasrallah marked a significant moment for Hezbollah and its supporters, highlighting the organization’s enduring resolve amidst ongoing conflicts with Israel. The event not only commemorated Nasrallah’s leadership but also emphasized the geopolitical stakes in the region involving Iran and other allied nations. As Hezbollah faces challenges following its recent losses, the attendance of high-profile figures reinforces the importance of Nasrallah’s legacy in shaping resistance movements against perceived threats. Despite ongoing tensions, the massive turnout underscores unwavering loyalty from within Hezbollah’s base, suggesting that the movement will continue to rally its support amid adversities.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
