Mass Funeral for Slain Hezbollah Leader Nasrallah
The long-awaited funeral for Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah took place in Beirut on February 23, 2025, nearly five months after his death in an Israeli airstrike. Tens of thousands attended the ceremony, which served as a show of strength for the militant group amid ongoing Israeli military actions targeting Hezbollah. Israeli fighter jets flew over the event, signaling continued tensions.
Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem addressed mourners, pledging to follow Nasrallah's path despite the group's weakened state following significant losses in recent conflicts. The funeral also honored Hashem Safieddine, Nasrallah's successor, who was killed shortly after taking leadership.
Nasrallah's death marks a pivotal moment for Hezbollah, which has faced increasing pressure to disarm and has seen its influence challenged. The group, once a formidable force, now grapples with questions about its future amid ongoing Israeli strikes and domestic calls for disarmament.