Tens of thousands of mourners are preparing to gather in Lebanon to pay tribute to the late Hassan Nasrallah, the revered leader of Hezbollah, who lost his life in a targeted Israeli strike last September. This public funeral, which had been postponed due to security concerns, is set to take place Sunday at 1 PM local time (11:00 GMT) at the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium in Beirut, a venue that can accommodate around 50,000 attendees.
In anticipation of the event, Hezbollah organizers have added thousands of extra seats on the stadium’s pitch, with further arrangements made for overflow crowds to view the proceedings on large screens outside. The city has been adorned with prominent images of Nasrallah and his successor Hashem Safieddine, who also fell victim to Israeli air attacks a week after Nasrallah’s death, reflecting the profound respect and loyalty among supporters.
Official spokesperson Ali Daamoush has indicated that the funeral will host approximately 800 distinguished guests from 65 different nations, alongside a multitude of engaged citizens and activists who are traveling from across the globe to participate. Daamoush urged the public to come out en masse, fortifying the message of resilience and steadfastness against adversarial forces.
For over three decades, Nasrallah has been the face of Hezbollah, representing a significant counter-narrative to regional antagonism, advocating for resistance and unity among the Lebanese people. His interment will take place near the airport road in Beirut’s southern suburbs, while Safieddine will be laid to rest in his hometown, Deir Qanoun en-Nahr, asserting their legacies in their respective communities.
Amid these preparations, Lebanese state media reported Israeli military incursions near the border, coinciding with the funeral gatherings in Beirut. The official National News Agency confirmed that Israeli aircraft conducted strikes targeting areas in southern Lebanon prior to the memorial service, citing threats to civilians as the rationale behind these actions.
The delicate ceasefire, established in late November, has sustained a temporary reprieve from violence between Israel and Hezbollah. However, tensions remain high as the situation continues to evolve, with Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanese towns extending beyond initial deadlines, despite ongoing military presence in critical areas.
As Lebanon unites in remembrance of a leader who embodied resilience and resistance, the geopolitical dynamics in the region remain complex, highlighting the importance of dialogue and understanding amid ongoing challenges.
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