Key Points:
- Former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, killed in an Israeli airstrike, will be buried five months after his death.
- Thousands of supporters and 800 dignitaries from 65 countries are expected to attend the funeral in Beirut.
- Nasrallah’s death marked a significant blow to the Iran-backed Hezbollah organization.
- The funeral was delayed due to security concerns during the two-month war between Hezbollah and Israel.
Beirut : Thousands of mourners have poured into Beirut as former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is set to be buried on Sunday, five months after his death in an Israeli airstrike. The funeral, which has drawn widespread attention, comes after months of delays due to security concerns during the fierce two-month conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, which ended on November 27.
Nasrallah, a pivotal figure who led Hezbollah for over three decades, was killed when the Israeli Air Force launched a devastating strike on the organization’s main operations center in Beirut. The attack involved more than 80 bombs and dealt a major blow to the Iran-backed militant group. His death not only left a leadership vacuum but also sent shockwaves across pro-Iran factions in the region.
A Leader’s Legacy and Regional Impact
Hassan Nasrallah was one of the founding members of Hezbollah and had wielded significant influence among Iran-aligned groups across the Middle East. His leadership played a crucial role in shaping Hezbollah’s strategies and its position as a dominant force in Lebanon’s political and military landscape.
The funeral ceremony is expected to take place at Beirut’s main sports stadium, with high-profile attendees including Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The event underscores Nasrallah’s lasting impact on regional politics and his role as a symbol of resistance for many supporters.
Global Participation and Symbolic Unity
Senior Hezbollah official Ali Damoush revealed that approximately 800 prominent figures from 65 countries will attend the funeral, alongside thousands of supporters from around the globe. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Damoush emphasized that this gathering sends a powerful message of unity against Israel. “People from every house, village, and city should unite to show that our struggle continues,” he stated.
Nasrallah will be buried at a designated site on the outskirts of Beirut, located between the old and new airport roads. His relative and successor, Hashem Safieddin—also killed in an Israeli airstrike—will be laid to rest in his hometown of Der Kanun in southern Lebanon. Initially, both leaders were buried secretly for security reasons.
Delayed Farewell Due to War
In a televised address, senior Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem explained that the funeral had been postponed due to security risks during the intense conflict with Israel. Now that conditions have stabilized, Hezbollah has decided to hold an elaborate public ceremony to honor its fallen leader.
Qassem urged supporters to maintain discipline during the event and refrain from celebratory gunfire. He stressed that the funeral’s central message would be one of resilience: “We are committed to the coalition.”
A Moment of Mourning and Defiance
As thousands gather in Beirut for this historic occasion, Nasrallah’s funeral represents not just a farewell but also a statement of defiance against Israel and solidarity among Hezbollah supporters. The event highlights both the challenges faced by the organization following his death and its determination to continue its mission under new leadership.
