Beirut witnessed an unprecedented gathering on Sunday as tens of thousands of mourners filled a stadium to bid farewell to Hezbollah’s former leader, Hassan Nasrallah. The funeral, considered Lebanon’s largest in two decades, drew high-profile officials from Iran and Lebanon, along with Hezbollah supporters from across the region. The event took place nearly five months after Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike, marking a pivotal moment for the Iran-backed militant group.
A Leader’s Final Journey
Hassan Nasrallah, a key figure in Hezbollah’s rise to prominence, was killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting the group’s main operations center in southern Beirut. His leadership spanned over three decades, during which he transformed Hezbollah into a formidable political and military force in the Middle East. He was widely respected among Iran-backed factions, including groups in Iraq, Yemen, and Palestine.
His funeral was held alongside that of his cousin and successor, Hashem Safieddine, who was also killed in an Israeli airstrike days later. While Nasrallah was laid to rest in Beirut, Safieddine’s burial took place in his hometown in southern Lebanon. Both leaders had been temporarily buried in undisclosed locations for security reasons.
A Massive Funeral Procession
The funeral procession began early Sunday, with thousands of mourners gathering in Beirut’s main sports stadium. As Nasrallah’s coffin was paraded through the streets, men on platforms tossed flowers and clothing items in an attempt to have them touch the coffin, believing it would bring blessings.
Prominent officials attended the ceremony, including Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Their arrival in Lebanon was notable, as it coincided with the lifting of a temporary ban on flights from Iran, which Lebanese authorities had imposed following Israeli allegations of Hezbollah smuggling funds via commercial flights.
Hezbollah’s Message of Defiance
As the funeral took place, Hezbollah’s Secretary-General, Naim Kassem, addressed the crowd via a televised speech. “Today, we bid farewell to an exceptional historical, national, Arab, and Islamic leader,” he stated. Kassem reassured supporters that Hezbollah remained strong, emphasizing that “the resistance is still present in numbers and weapons, and the inevitable victory is coming.”
The funeral also carried a strong anti-Israel and anti-American sentiment. Thousands of attendees waved Hezbollah’s yellow flags and chanted slogans such as “Death to Israel” and “Death to America.” Nasrallah’s speech from the 2006 war against Israel was played, reinforcing Hezbollah’s long-standing opposition to Israeli occupation.
Israel’s Response and Security Concerns
In a display of military dominance, Israeli jets flew low over Beirut during the funeral. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz later confirmed the operation, stating, “Whoever threatens to annihilate Israel and strike Israel—that will be his end.”
Meanwhile, tensions escalated further as the Israeli military launched a series of airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in southern and eastern Lebanon. The Israeli army claimed the strikes targeted military sites containing rocket launchers and weapons. Lebanon’s state news agency reported at least one civilian injury—a Syrian woman—during the attacks.
Regional and Political Implications
Nasrallah’s funeral underscored Hezbollah’s resilience despite recent setbacks. The group has faced significant challenges, including the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, a crucial ally that facilitated weapons and financial support from Iran. Additionally, the U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement following the 14-month war with Israel has restricted Hezbollah’s military presence along the Lebanese-Israeli border.
Political rivals have increasingly called for Hezbollah to disarm and transition into a purely political entity. However, the massive turnout at Nasrallah’s funeral was seen as a demonstration of Hezbollah’s continued influence and support among its followers.
Tight Security Measures
Given the scale of the funeral, authorities implemented extensive security measures across Beirut. Major roads were closed, the Lebanese army and police were placed on high alert, and the use of drones was strictly prohibited. Flights to and from Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport were temporarily halted for four hours to ensure security.
Conclusion
Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral was not just a mourning event but also a statement of Hezbollah’s endurance in the face of adversity. With tensions between Hezbollah and Israel remaining high, the funeral’s massive turnout sent a strong message about the group’s continued political and military significance. As Lebanon navigates its complex political landscape, Hezbollah’s next steps will shape the region’s geopolitical future.
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