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
Lebanon is gearing up for the funeral of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, nearly five months after he was killed in an Israeli airstrike. The funeral, scheduled for Sunday at 1 PM (11:00 GMT) at the Camille Chamoun Sports Stadium in Beirut, is expected to draw tens of thousands of supporters from across Lebanon and abroad.
Following the ceremony, Nasrallah will be laid to rest at a dedicated burial site near his temporary resting place beside his son, Hadi Nasrallah, who was killed in combat in 1997.
Strict Security Measures in Place
Hezbollah has announced strict security protocols to manage the large crowds expected to gather from the group’s strongholds and from outside Lebanon. The Lebanese authorities have urged security forces to ensure a smooth and controlled event.
In an unprecedented move, Beirut’s international airport will be closed from midday until 4 PM (14:00 GMT) to accommodate the large influx of mourners and VIP attendees.
A Legacy of Conflict and Influence
Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed on September 27 in an Israeli airstrike while meeting senior Hezbollah commanders in Beirut’s southern suburbs, was a dominant figure in Middle Eastern geopolitics. Under his leadership, Hezbollah expanded into a powerful military force with significant regional influence.
The funeral will also pay tribute to Hashem Safieddine, who briefly led Hezbollah following Nasrallah’s death before he too was killed by Israeli forces. He will be buried separately in southern Lebanon on Monday.
Regional and International Attention
The high-profile funeral has drawn international attention, with key diplomatic and political figures expected to attend. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will represent Tehran, while several leaders of Iraqi Shia militias are also set to participate.
The impact of Nasrallah’s death continues to shape Hezbollah’s future, with analysts suggesting that the funeral is not just a farewell but a symbolic show of strength for the group.
“This funeral is a launchpad for the next phase. A great funeral that draws hundreds of thousands is a way of telling everyone that Hezbollah still exists,” said Mohanad Hage Ali of the Carnegie Middle East Center.
Flight Suspensions and Travel Arrangements
In response to the expected surge in travelers, Iraqi Airways has scheduled additional flights to Beirut, as many Iraqis plan to attend the funeral.
The death of Nasrallah and the continued Israeli strikes on Hezbollah positions signal ongoing tensions in the region. With Hezbollah mourning its leader, many eyes will be on Lebanon in the coming days to see what the group’s next moves will be.