Hezbollah confirms Hassan Nasrallah’s funeral announcement.
In a pre-recorded speech, Hezbollah’s Secretary-General Naim Kassem announced the funeral arrangements for his predecessor, Hassan Nasrallah. Kassem acknowledged Nasrallah’s contributions to the organization and his leadership over the years, highlighting his role in shaping Hezbollah’s political and military strategies. The announcement came as a moment of reflection for supporters, many of whom regard Nasrallah as a pivotal figure in the group’s history. While details of the funeral were not immediately disclosed, Kassem assured that further information would be shared soon as preparations were finalized.
Beirut: The Lebanese Hezbollah group announced on Sunday that the funeral of Hassan Nasrallah will take place on February 23, months after he was assassinated in a series of Israeli airstrikes in a southern Beirut suburb.
His statement came just days after a US-brokered ceasefire agreement that temporarily halted the war between Hezbollah and Israel until February 18.
Nasrallah was killed on September 27 when a series of Israeli airstrikes struck multiple buildings in a southern Beirut suburb. A top security aide reported that Nasrallah was inside Hezbollah’s war operations room at the time of the strikes. His death marked a significant moment in the ongoing conflict, as he had led Hezbollah since 1992, transforming the group from a local militant faction into a powerful regional paramilitary force with an influential role in Lebanese politics.
Israeli troops remain stationed in parts of southern Lebanon, despite the ceasefire agreement stipulating a gradual withdrawal. Under the agreement, Hezbollah’s militants are required to withdraw north of the Litani River while Lebanese army soldiers take control of the area. However, tensions continue to simmer as residents of southern villages, many waving Hezbollah flags, have staged protests against the Israeli presence. In some cases, these demonstrations have led to direct confrontations with Israeli troops, which Kassem praised in his speech.
Sacrifices, no matter how great, will ultimately lead to the liberation of the land and the exit of Israel,” said Kassem, reinforcing Hezbollah’s long-standing stance against Israeli occupation.
The Lebanese Health Ministry did not report any casualties from the incident. However, tensions have escalated over the past week, with at least 24 protesters killed when Israeli troops opened fire on demonstrators, according to the health ministry. The violence has further fueled public anger and reinforced Hezbollah’s rhetoric about resistance and the liberation of Lebanese land.
Despite suffering significant losses in the recent war, Hezbollah remains a potent force in Lebanese politics and society. The group’s military infrastructure, including an extensive tunnel network, has been heavily targeted by Israeli forces. Israel has justified its continued presence in Lebanon by citing the need to eliminate remaining Hezbollah military capabilities, a stance that has drawn criticism from international observers and fueled ongoing hostilities.
The funeral procession will not only honor Hassan Nasrallah but will also serve as a farewell to Hashem Safieddine, another senior Hezbollah official who was also killed in the airstrikes. Safieddine was widely regarded as Nasrallah’s likely successor and played a key role in Hezbollah’s military and political strategy. His death has left a significant leadership vacuum within the organization, raising questions about Hezbollah’s future direction and its ability to maintain cohesion in the face of sustained Israeli military pressure.
As Hezbollah prepares to bid farewell to two of its most influential figures, the group faces a critical moment in its history. The leadership transition will be closely watched by both supporters and adversaries alike. While Kassem has stepped into the role of Secretary-General, the extent to which he will be able to command the same level of authority and influence as Nasrallah remains uncertain.
In the broader regional context, Hezbollah’s loss of Nasrallah and Safieddine comes at a time of increasing geopolitical tensions. The group has long been a key ally of Iran and Syria, playing a crucial role in regional conflicts, including the Syrian civil war. With new leadership emerging, Hezbollah’s future actions will likely be shaped by its strategic alliances and the evolving dynamics of Middle Eastern politics.
For now, Hezbollah supporters are preparing for an emotional and symbolic funeral procession, which is expected to draw thousands of mourners. The event will not only serve as a tribute to Nasrallah and Safieddine but will also be a demonstration of Hezbollah’s resilience and determination to continue its struggle against Israeli occupation.
As the world watches the developments in Lebanon, the impact of Nasrallah’s death and the leadership transition within Hezbollah will have far-reaching implications. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the ceasefire holds, how Hezbollah reorganizes under new leadership, and whether tensions in the region escalate further.
While the future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the loss of Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine marks a significant turning point in Hezbollah’s history, one that will shape the group’s actions and influence in the years to come.