Massive Turnout in Beirut for Hezbollah Leaders' Funeral Amid Israeli Air Activity
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Synopsis
On February 24, tens of thousands attended the funerals of Hezbollah leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine in Beirut, coinciding with Israeli warplanes flying overhead. The event, attended by delegations from 70 nations, highlighted tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, with significant statements made by leaders from both sides.
Key Takeaways
- Tens of thousands attended the funeral in Beirut.
- Israeli warplanes conducted low-altitude flights over the event.
- Naim Qassem accused Israel of violating ceasefire agreements.
- Iran’s Ali Khamenei praised the deceased leaders as martyrs.
- Nasrallah and Safieddine were killed in recent Israeli attacks.
Beirut, Feb 24 (NationPress) Tens of thousands of mourners convened in Beirut for the funeral of former Hezbollah leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine, while Israeli warplanes executed low-altitude flights over the Lebanese capital. The ceremony at the Cammile Chamoun Sports City Stadium attracted delegations from 70 countries, including Iran, as reported by Xinhua news agency citing Lebanese broadcaster al-Jadeed.
Israeli jets flew over the event in what Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz termed a deliberate statement. He remarked, "The Israeli Air Force jets currently flying over Beirut during Hassan Nasrallah's funeral are sending a clear message: Whoever threatens to destroy Israel and attacks Israel -- this will be their fate."
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem, addressing the crowd via video screens, accused Israel of violating the US and French-brokered ceasefire agreement that came into effect on November 27, 2024.
Hezbollah stated that Israeli forces have retained positions at five locations along the Lebanese border past the February 18 withdrawal deadline. "We will persist in this resistance, regardless of the sacrifices," Qassem declared, prompting chants against Israel and the US.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei referred to Nasrallah and Safieddine as "great martyrs of the resistance" and cautioned that "resistance against usurpation, oppression, and arrogance will never cease and will continue until the ultimate goal is achieved."
Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli bombing in Dahieh, a southern suburb of Beirut, on September 27, 2024, while Safieddine, Nasrallah's deputy and successor, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in October 2024 in Dahieh.
Nasrallah is set to be laid to rest later on Sunday in Beirut, whereas Safieddine will be interred in his hometown in southern Lebanon.
Both leaders had been temporarily buried at undisclosed locations. Hezbollah announced plans for their official funerals earlier this month.
