Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral drew large crowds in Beirut following his death in an Israeli airstrike. Mourners honored Nasrallah and his successor, Hashem Safieddine, while Israeli airstrikes occurred during the ceremony. The event underscored Nasrallah’s significant role in Hezbollah and the ongoing tensions in the region, with international attendees expressing solidarity.
Massive crowds have convened for the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah, the former leader of Hezbollah, who perished in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut last September. Mourners clad in black gathered at the Camille Chamoun Sports City stadium on the outskirts of the Lebanese capital to honor Nasrallah and his successor, Hashem Safieddine, who was also killed in a prior Israeli attack.
Nasrallah, a significant figure in Middle Eastern politics and military operations, was a notable leader of the Lebanese militant Shia Islamist organization. As the funeral commenced, Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, highlighting the ongoing tensions. Attendees braved chilly weather to pay their respects at the stadium, which holds 50,000 people, as both Nasrallah’s and Safieddine’s coffins, draped in Hezbollah flags, were paraded before them.
During the service, recordings of Nasrallah’s speeches resonated through the crowd, with supporters chanting and holding portraits of both leaders. A mourner named Umm Mahdi expressed her sentiment, stating that attending the funeral was the least one could do for Nasrallah, emphasizing his sacrifice for the cause. Notably, Nasrallah had shunned the public eye for years due to concerns regarding potential assassination by Israel.
Under Nasrallah’s leadership for 30 years, Hezbollah evolved into a formidable political and military entity, with connections to Iran that facilitated training and provisions for various militant groups. He passed away at age 64 in Dahieh, a heavily guarded area of Beirut, marking the first time in years that Hezbollah has permitted public memorials in the area.
The mass gathering served as a demonstration of Hezbollah’s strength, especially after facing significant challenges during a recent conflict with Israel. Israel’s Defence Minister made a statement via social media, asserting that aircraft were present over the stadium during the service to deliver a stern warning to those who threaten Israel’s existence. This incursion followed nearly a year of heightened hostilities linked to the Gaza conflict.
Amid the violence in September 2024, Israeli-made explosives claimed the lives of many of Hezbollah’s senior leaders, contributing to substantial casualties and displacement across Lebanon. The funeral witnessed attendees from Iran, Iraq, and Yemen, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi hailed the deceased as “two heroes of the resistance,” emphasizing international solidarity.
The funeral for Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine showcased both a significant public turnout and an intense atmosphere reflective of ongoing regional conflicts. The event illustrated the profound influence of Nasrallah in shaping Hezbollah’s military and political strategies, particularly against perceived threats from Israel. With continued hostilities and significant loss of life in Lebanon, the implications of their leadership and legacy remain pivotal in the context of Middle Eastern geopolitics.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
