Hasan Nasrallah’s Funeral Draws Massive Crowds in Beirut
Beirut, Lebanon – Tens of thousands of mourners gathered in Beirut on Tuesday for the funeral of Hezbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on September 27, 2024.
Nasrallah, who led Hezbollah for 32 years, was a towering figure in Lebanese politics and a fierce opponent of Israel. His death has sent shockwaves through the region and raised fears of renewed conflict.
Mourners Flood Beirut Stadium
The funeral was held at the Cite Sportive stadium in Beirut, where some 78,000 seats had been set aside for mourners. However, crowds of supporters also filled the streets and surrounding areas, eager to pay their last respects to the fallen leader.
Emotional Eulogies and Tributes
Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, delivered an emotional eulogy, praising Nasrallah’s unwavering commitment to the resistance movement and his steadfast defense of Lebanon’s sovereignty.
"Hassan Nasrallah was a beacon of hope and guidance for our people," Qassem said. "His legacy will live on long after his departure."
Other prominent figures, including Lebanese President Michel Aoun and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, also spoke at the funeral, offering condolences and expressing their admiration for Nasrallah’s leadership.
Calls for Revenge and Unity
The funeral was not only a time for mourning but also a show of strength and defiance by Hezbollah. Many mourners carried flags and chanted slogans vowing revenge against Israel.
"We will avenge the blood of Hassan Nasrallah," one mourner shouted. "Israel will pay for its crimes."
Despite the calls for revenge, Hezbollah leaders also stressed the importance of unity in the face of adversity.
"We must remain united and strong," said Qassem. "Together, we will overcome the challenges that lie ahead."
Fragile Truce with Israel
The funeral was held amid a fragile truce between Israel and Hezbollah. The airstrike that killed Nasrallah had broken a months-long ceasefire, and there were concerns that the funeral could reignite hostilities.
However, both sides have expressed their commitment to the truce, and there have been no reports of violence since the funeral.
Nasrallah’s Legacy
Hasan Nasrallah was born in 1959 in Beirut. He joined Hezbollah in the early 1980s and quickly rose through the ranks. He became the movement’s leader in 1992, following the assassination of Sheikh Abbas Musawi.
Under Nasrallah’s leadership, Hezbollah transformed from a small militia into a powerful political and military force. The movement played a major role in the Lebanese Civil War and has been a constant thorn in Israel’s side.
Nasrallah was a charismatic and enigmatic figure. He was admired for his intelligence, courage, and unwavering belief in Hezbollah’s cause. However, he was also a controversial figure, with detractors accusing him of being a terrorist and a threat to regional stability.
Despite the controversy, there is no doubt that Nasrallah was one of the most influential leaders in the Middle East. His death has created a vacuum in Hezbollah and in Lebanese politics as a whole. It remains to be seen how the movement and the region will adjust to his absence.
