A large-scale funeral service for Hassan Nasrallah, former leader of Hezbollah, drew huge crowds in Beirut, igniting fervent displays of loyalty and resilience from supporters as Israel launched air strikes nearby.
Hezbollah Leaders Farewell: Mass Mourning in Beirut for Nasrallah and Safieddine
Hezbollah Leaders Farewell: Mass Mourning in Beirut for Nasrallah and Safieddine
Tens of thousands gather to commemorate Hassan Nasrallah and his successor Hashem Safieddine amid heightened tensions in the region.
In a poignant display of solidarity and mourning, tens of thousands of supporters gathered at the Camille Chamoun Sports City stadium in Beirut on Sunday to bid farewell to Hassan Nasrallah, the former leader of Hezbollah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike last month. The event also paid tribute to Nasrallah's successor, Hashem Safieddine, who met a similar fate shortly before he could formally take over the leadership role.
Mourners dressed in black filled the stadium, which has the capacity to hold nearly 50,000 people, displaying posters and flags in honor of the two leaders. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as Nasrallah's coffin was paraded through the crowd. His death marked a significant moment in Hezbollah's history, as he was regarded as a pivotal figure who transformed the militant group into a dominant political and military force in the region over his 30-year tenure.
As the memorial service commenced at 1:00 PM local time (11:00 GMT), additional Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah positions near the Lebanese border, further escalating tensions. Israel’s defense minister publicly stated the intention behind these operations, asserting that they were meant to send a firm message regarding any threats against Israel.
Following Nasrallah’s death, Hezbollah has encountered significant challenges, particularly following Israel's military campaign in Lebanon, which resulted in the loss of many senior leaders and substantial civilian casualties. The conflict displaced over 1.2 million individuals before a ceasefire was established in November after a prolonged aerial bombardment.
The outpouring of grief and solidarity at Nasrallah’s funeral reflected the deep-seated loyalty to Hezbollah among its supporters, even amidst growing challenges and losses in the ongoing conflict. Notably, representatives from Iran, Iraq, and Yemen were anticipated to attend the commemoration, underscoring the interconnected alliances within the region.
