Massive Turnout at Funeral for Hezbollah Leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut
On Sunday, tens of thousands gathered in Beirut to pay their respects to Hassan Nasrallah, the prominent leader of Hezbollah, who was killed by an Israeli bombing in September 2024. The funeral was held at the Camille Chamoun Stadium, a venue chosen for its capacity of 55,000 seats, reflecting the massive turnout expected for the event. The stadium was adorned with Hezbollah flags, which translate to 'the party of God' in Arabic, alongside images honoring Nasrallah.
Nasrallah, aged 64 at the time of his death, had been the helm of Hezbollah since 1992, following the assassination of his predecessor, Abbas al Musawi, by Israeli airstrikes. The ceremony also served as a tribute to Hashem Safieddine, his successor, who was also killed shortly after al Musawi. Notably absent was the current leader of Hezbollah, Naim Qassem, who sent a message that was conveyed to the attendees.
Among the dignitaries present at the funeral was Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, representing Iran, a key supporter and financier of Hezbollah. Other attendees included a group of Iraqi Shiite politicians and members of the Houthis, a Shiite militia from Yemen.
As the memorial unfolded, low-flying Israeli military jets soared over the stadium, drawing audible reactions from the crowd, who expressed their anger toward Israel. This display occurred amidst reports of Israeli bombings in southern and eastern Lebanon. In a notable response, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz tweeted about the incident, emphasizing, "Anyone who decides to destroy Israel and attacks it seals their own fate. You will continue to specialize in funerals; we in victories."
The significance of the funeral extended beyond mourning; it also aimed to project Hezbollah's strength in the wake of substantial setbacks. Having been considerably weakened by Israeli actions and the decline of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime, the gathering was part of Hezbollah's efforts to assert its influence. In a time of heightened scrutiny, the organization faces unprecedented challenges in its history, a sentiment reflected in the somber yet defiant atmosphere of the day.
Related Sources: