Beirut: Tens of thousands gathered in Beirut for the funeral of Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, on Sunday.
The ceremony took place five months after Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike on southern Beirut.
The funeral was both a tribute and a demonstration of strength by the militant and political group.
Israel conducted airstrikes in southern and eastern Lebanon during the massive gathering.
The Israeli military stated it targeted Hezbollah’s weapon stockpiles in the region.
Aerial Presence
Israeli fighter jets flew low over the funeral site after Nasrallah’s coffin was unveiled.
Israel’s military called this maneuver “a clear message” to Hezbollah.
On Sunday, Israel also released footage claiming to show Nasrallah’s assassination.
Mourners packed Beirut’s largest stadium and flooded nearby streets.
A long procession accompanied Nasrallah’s hearse to a shrine in southern Beirut.
Symbolic Gestures
Mourners threw scarves at the hearse as pallbearers touched them to Nasrallah’s turban.
His coffin was draped in Hezbollah’s flag, emphasizing his significance to the group.
Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem spoke remotely to the grieving crowd.
He vowed the group would continue Nasrallah’s mission “even if we are all killed.”
The funeral also honored Hashem Safieddine, Nasrallah’s successor, killed days after taking charge.
Secret Burial
Hezbollah officials revealed Nasrallah was buried in a private ceremony after his death.
His delayed public burial reflected the group’s weakened state following Israeli attacks.
An Israeli campaign last autumn targeted Hezbollah’s military leaders and infrastructure.
Thousands of Hezbollah fighters, along with many civilians, were killed in the offensive.
A ceasefire agreement was reached last November but did not end Israeli airstrikes.
Hezbollah’s Evolution
Nasrallah’s death marks a turning point for Hezbollah, which emerged in 1982 as a small militia.
He became leader in 1992 and led a resistance campaign against Israel in southern Lebanon.
In 2000, Hezbollah’s efforts contributed to Israel’s withdrawal after 22 years of occupation.
Nasrallah commanded Hezbollah during the 2006 war, resisting Israel’s attempt to dismantle the group.
His forces expanded influence across the region, intervening in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.
Changing Tides
Hezbollah’s standing shifted after Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Nasrallah’s group launched daily rocket strikes in support of Hamas.
Israeli counterstrikes displaced 100,000 Lebanese and 60,000 Israelis near the border.
This cross-border conflict escalated into war in September.
Nasrallah described Hezbollah’s actions as a “supportive front” for Hamas.
Aftermath of War
The conflict caused widespread destruction in Gaza and heavy casualties.
Over 48,000 people were killed in Gaza since the war began.
Hezbollah suffered losses, pushing the group further underground.
Israel continues to strike Hezbollah targets despite the ceasefire.
Nasrallah’s death has left Hezbollah facing a critical leadership and strategic challenge.
