Thousands of Shiite Muslims have arrived in Lebanon ahead of Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral, scheduled to take place in the capital, Beirut, on Sunday.
Nasrallah was killed on 27 September when Israel’s air force dropped more than 80 bombs on Hezbollah’s main operations room in southern Beirut.
It was among the most significant and consequential targeted killings by Israel in recent years.
A wave of supporters, social media influencers, and political activists has reached Lebanon to participate in the funeral prayers at around 1:00 PM local time.
Beirut’s airport and streets have seen a steady stream of people, many waving Hezbollah flags and carrying portraits of Nasrallah as they gather to honour him. Iran has confirmed that a high-level delegation will also be in attendance.
Nasrallah led Hezbollah for over three decades as its supreme commander, becoming a symbol of defiance. His supporters across the Arab and Islamic world have hailed his legacy.
During its war with Israel, Hezbollah suffered heavy losses, with many believing the conflict shattered the group’s core leadership. Several of its most senior military and political figures were killed during the period.
Nasrallah’s successor, Hashem Safieddine, was also assassinated by Israel a few days after him.
Also read: Hezbollah announces funeral of slain Hassan Nasrallah on 23 February
The two leaders had been temporarily buried in secret locations. Earlier this month, Hezbollah announced plans for their official funerals.
On the eve of the funeral, Sheikh Ali Daamouch, Deputy Executive Council Chairman of Hezbollah, stated, “Tomorrow is a day of loyalty, allegiance, and commitment to the martyrs, and our presence at their funeral is a form of tribute to them.”
He urged the public to turn out in force from every home, village, and city, “to tell friends and foes that our Resistance endures and remains present on the battlefield and that the Zionist enemy will never be able to crush it.”
Sheikh Daamouch further asserted that despite the painful loss, “the Resistance remains steadfast in its course, unwavering in its defence of the homeland, its people, the Ummah, and its sanctities, and will not retreat from its objectives.”
Hezbollah has said that 79 countries will be involved in the commemoration, either officially or at a “popular” level. Airlines have increased flights to Beirut to accommodate the surge in demand.
Also read: Iraq names 100 newborns 'Nasrallah' after Hezbollah leader
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